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FROM    THE   LIBRARY   OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

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PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 

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ALL    THE  SUNDAYS  AND  HOLY  DAYS 
OF  THE  CHURCH 


The  Rev.  E.  H.  BICKERSTETH,  M.A. 

VICAR  OF   CHRIST  CHURCH,  HAMPSTEAD,  AND  RURAL  DEAN 


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PRINTED   BY  GILBERT  AM)   RIVINGTON,   LIMITED 

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"t 


PREFACE. 


It  will  not,  I  hope,  seem  presumptuous  to  string 
inferior  pebbles  on  the  same  golden  thread,  upon 
which  Heber  and  Keble  and  Monsell  and  Bishop 
Wordsworth  have  strung  so  many  pearls  of  thought. 
But  England's  Church  is  awaking  more  and  more 
to  a  sense  of  the  priceless  legacy  bequeathed  her 
from  the  earliest  ages  in  her  Christian  Year  as 
mapped  out  in  her  Prayer-book.  The  facts  of  our 
most  holy  faith  stand  out  in  bolder  relief,  as  her 
children  review  them  day  by  day  or  week  by  week 
in  orderly  succession.  The  field  is  the  world  of 
Revelation.  And  if  it  maybe  granted  the  preacher 
or  singer  to  present  in  clearer  outline,  by  sermon 
or  song,  any  one  of  the  manifold  truths,  selected  by 
the  Church  for  our  meditation  on  any  Sunday  or 
Holy  Day,  his  labour  will  not  be  in  vain. 

Many  of  the  following  hymns  or  short  poems 
have  been  written  from  time  to  time  during  the 


vi  PREFACE. 

last  thirty  years,  and  have  appeared  in  "  The  Two 
Brothers,''  "  The  Hymnal  Companion  to  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer,"  and  various  serials  ;  but  many 
of  them  have  been  written  during  the  present  year, 
and  are  now  submitted  for  the  first  time  to  the  kind 
perusal  of  the  reader.  They  are  all  of  them  con- 
nected with  the  proper  Scriptures  or  Collect  of  the 
day. 

If  only  He,  who  sometimes  waters  with  the  dew 
of  His  blessing  the  apparently  chance-sown  seed, 
shall  make  any  thoughts  here  scattered  bring  forth 
fruit  that  shall  remain,  to  Him  be  all  the  glory. 

E.  H.  B. 


Christ  Church  Vicarage,  Hampstead, 
October  i6,  1883. 


CONTENTS. 


to  the 


Morning  Prayer       . 

Evening  Prayer       ..... 

This  hymn,  and  the  preceding  one,  may  be  sung 
tune,  Pax  tectcm,  No.  32,  "  Hymnal  Companion. 

Advent  Sunday 

The  Second  Sunday  in  Advent 

The  Third  Sunday  in  Advent . 

The  Fourth  Sunday  in  Advent 

Christmas  Day 

Saint  Stephen's  Day 

Saint  John  the  Evangelist's  Day 

The  Innocents'  Day 

The  First  Sunday  after  Christmas 

The  Circumcision  of  Christ 

The  Second  Sunday  after  Christmas 

The  Epiphany         .... 

The  First  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany 

The  Second  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany 

The  Third  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany 

The  Fourth  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany 

This  hymn   was   written  for    the  tu  ne,   St.  Aelredt 
No.  535,      Hymnal  Companion.  " 

The  Fifth  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany 


3 
4 
7 

10 
12 

14 
16 

17 

22 

24 
25 

26 
28 

30 
32 
34 

36 


CONTENTS. 


The  Sixth  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany 

This    Litany   may  be  sung  to  the  tunes  (i)  by  Monk, 
or  (2)  by  Cuff,  No.  546,  "  Hymnal  Companion." 

Septuagesima  Sunday 

Sexagesima  Sunday 

Quinquagesima  Sunday  . 

Ash  Wednesday 

The  First  Sunday  in  Tent 

The  Second  Sunday  in  Lent 

The  Third  Sunday  in  Lent 

The  Fourth  Sunday  in  Lent 

The  Fifth  Sunday  in  Lent 

The  Sunday  next  before  Easter 

The  Monday  before  Easter 

The  Tuesday  before  Easter 

The  Wednesday  before  Easter 

The  Thursday  before  Easter 

Good  Friday  . 

The  words  of  this  hymn,  "The  Passion  of  Jesus, 
written  after  "The  Story  of  the  Cross"  by  th 
E.  Munro,  and  are  published  by  S.  Low  and  Co. 
rately,  or  set  to  music  (1)  by  A.  Redhead,  (2)  by 
Lewis.  They  may  also  be  sung  to  the  music  of 
Story  of  the  Cross  "  (Musters). 

Easter  Even    . 

Easter  Day  (Morning  Prayer) 
Easter  Day  (Evening  Prayer) 
Monday  in  Easter  Week 
Tuesday  in  Easter  Week 
The  First  Sunday  after  Easter 
The  Second  Sunday  after  Easter 
The  Third  Sunday  after  Easter 
The  Fourth  Sunday  after  Easter 


PAGE 

33 


41 

43 
44 
47 
49 
5i 
53 
56 
5* 
60 
62 
^3 
65 
66 
67 


were 
!  late 

sepa- 
T.  C. 
"The 


V- 

74 
75 
77 
80 
82 
84 
86 


CONTEXTS. 


PAGE 

The  Fifth  Sunday  after  Easter  .         .         .         .     91 

The  Ascension  Day 93 

The  Sunday  after  Ascension  Day     .         .         .  •     95 

Whit  Sunday 97 

Monday  in  Whitsun  Week       .  .         .  .  .100 

Tuesday  in  Whitsun  Week      .         .         .         .         .102 

Trinity  Sunday        .         .         .         .         .         .         .104 

The  First  Sunday  after  Trinity         .         .         .         .106 

The  Second  Sunday  after  Trinity     .  .         .         .108 

The  Third  Sunday  after  Trinity       .  .         .         .110 

The  Fourth  Sunday  after  Trinity      .  .  .  .112 

The  Fifth  Sunday  after  Trinity        .         .         .         .118 

The  Sixth  Sunday  after  Trinity        .         .         .         .121 

The  Seventh  Sunday  after  Trinity    .         .         .         .124 

The  Eighth  Sunday  after  Trinity     .         .         .         .126 

A  special   tune  has  been  composed  for  this  hymn  by 
C.  Vincent,  Mus.  Bac.  Oxon.    (S.  Low  and  Co.)« 

The  Ninth  Sunday  after  Trinity 
The  Tenth  Sunday  after  Trinity 
The  Eleventh  Sunday  after  Trinity  . 
The  Twelfth  Sunday  after  Trinity    . 
The  Thirteenth  Sunday  after  Trinity 
The  Fourteenth  Sunday  after  Trinity 
The  Fifteenth  Sunday  after  Trinity 
The  Sixteenth  Sunday  after  Trinity 
The  Seventeenth  Sunday  after  Trinity 

This  hymn  was   written  for    the  tune,    St.   Albarist 
by  S.  Bach,  No.  330,  "  Hymnal  Noted." 

The  Eighteenth  Sunday  after  Trinity        .         .  .   146 

The  Nineteenth  Sunday  after  Trinity       .         .         .    148 
The  Twentieth  Sunday  after  Trinity        .         ,         .150 


128 
129 
131 
133 
135 
138 
141 

143 
145 


CONTENTS. 


The  Twenty-First  Sunday  after  Trinity 

The  Twenty-second  Sunday  after  Trinity 

The  Twenty-third  Sunday  after  Trinity 

The  Twenty-fourth  Sunday  after  Trinity 

The  Sunday  next  before  Advent 

Saint  Andrew's  Day 

Saint  Thomas  the  Apostle 

The  Conversion  of  Saint  Paul 

The  Presentation  of  Christ  in  the  Temple 

Saint  Matthias's  Day 

The  Annunciation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary 

Saint  Mark's  Day   .... 

Saint  Philip  and  Saint  James's  Day 

Saint  Barnabas  the  Apostle 

Saint  John  Baptist's  Day 

Saint  Peter's  Day    .... 

Saint  James  the  Apostle  . 

This  hymn   may  be  sung  to  the  tune,  Ora  labora 
No.  315,  "  Hymnal  Companion." 

Saint  Bartholomew  the  Apostle 
Saint  Matthew  the  Apostle 
Saint  Michael  and  All  Angels  . 
Saint  Luke  the  Evangelist 
Saint  Simon  and  Saint  Jude,   Apostles 
All  Saints'  Day       .... 
Holy  Communion  .... 
Public  Baptism  of  Infants 

This  hymn  may  be  Bung  to  the  tunc,  QomiiMs  ttgit  >>u\ 
No.  395,  "Hymnal  Companion." 

Private  Baptism  <>f  Infants       .... 

Baptism  of  such  as  arc  of  riper  years 


152 

154 
156 
158 
160 
162 
164 
167 
169 
172 
174 
177 
178 
180 
182 
186 


191 
193 

195 
197 
199 
201 
203 
205 


207 
208 


CONTENTS. 


Catechism 

Confirmation  ........ 

Holy  Matrimony     ....... 

The  tune  Irene,  No.  455,  '*  Hymnal  Companion,"  was 
composed  for  this  hymn  by  the  late  Dr.  Dykes. 

Visitation  of  the  Sick 

The  Communion  of  the  Sick 

The  Burial  of  the  Dead  . 

This  hymn  was  written  for  the  tune,  Dolo7tiite  chanty 
No.  480,  "  Hymnal  Companion." 

The  Churching  of  Women 

Commination . 

Forms  of  Prayer  to  be  used  at 

Ordination 

The  Royal  Accession 


PAGE 
2IO 

212 
214 

2l6 
218 
220 


Sea 


222 
225 
227 
229 
231 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


Abide  with  us  ;  for  our  dear  Lord  is  gone 

A  cry  of  anguish  from  the  banks  of  Nile  . 

Almighty  Father,  hear  our  cry 

Alone, — it  must  be  so      . 

And  do  Thy  angels  always  worship  Thee 

And  is  there  then  no  psalm  in  tune 

u  And  now  is  My  soul  troubled."     Can  it  be 

And  was  it  Jesus  Christ  Himself  they  laid 

A  rude  unthankful  plot,  that  ill  repays 

A  sinner,  wrestling  in  his  guilt 

A  strange  awe  lay  upon  the  silent  tents 

Be  blessings  on  the  little  child 
Before  the  everlasting  Throne. 
Behind  us  Sinai's  awful  form    . 
Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord     . 
Be  strong,  be  strong,  ( )  struggling  saint 
Be  the  pathway  smooth  or  thorny    . 
Bring  hither  costliest  sacrifice  . 

Clothed  with  the  Holy  Ghost  . 
Come,  infant,  to  His  heart  of  love  . 
Come  ye  yourselves  apart  and  rest  awhile 
Creator  Spirit,  make  Thy  throne      . 


PAGE 

.  102 

•  58 

.  227 

•  49 
.  195 
.  138 

•  63 

-  72 

.  156 

.  167 

.  84 

.  SS 

.  222 

.  191 

.  174 

.  172 

.  106 

•  131 
.  108 
.  207 

•  56 

•  7 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


PAGE 

Ere  the  words  of  peace  and  love       •         .         .         •     3° 

Father  of  heaven  above  ..... 

For  ever  ours  ...... 

From  the  guiding  star  that  led 

From  the  heaven  of  heavens  descending,  stooping 
from  the  throne  of  God     .... 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest      .... 

Glory  to  the  King  of  glory  !   Thou  hast  raised  Thine 
only  Son ....... 

God  of  our  fatherland      ..... 

Hallelujah  !   He  cometh  with  clouds  and  with  light . 

Hark,  brothers,  hark,  "  Go  forward" 

Hark,   creation's  Alleluia,   rising    from  a  thousand 

shores      ....... 

Hark,  hark  !  the  advent  cry  again    . 
Hark,  hark  !  the  voice  of  numbers  . 
Heaven's  glory  in  his  heart  and  eye 
He  liveth,  who  was  dead         .... 

Holy  Father,  hear  me 

Home,  sweet  home,  the  many  mansions  of  my  Father's 

house  above     ...... 

How  lovely,  how  beloved  is  Thine  abode 
Hush  !  blessed  are  the  dead    .... 

I  go :   the  poor,  My  poor  are  with  you  still 

In  earliest  bloom  of  wedded  life 

Is  thy  journey,  aged  pilgrim    .... 

Jesu,  Jesu,  miserere         ..... 
Joy  for  the  everlasting  chime  .... 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


Life,  life,  eternal  life        .... 
Long  years  I  wander'd  far  astray 

My  Father  and  my  God,  behold 

My  God,  my  Father,  dost  Thou  call 

My  God,  my  Father,  let  me  rest 

My  work  is  done,  I  lay  me  down  to  die    . 

Not  far  from  Jordan's  ford 

Not  worthy,  Lord,  to  gather  up  the  crumbs 

Now,  in  this  our  pilgrim  day  . 

O  brothers,  lift  your  voices 
O  Christ,  Thou  hast  ascended 
O'er  the  waters  void  and  formless    . 
()  fathomless  profound  of  rest 
O  God  our  strength,  our  hope,  our  rock  . 
O  God,  the  Rock  of  ages 
O  Heart  of  God  in  which  all  pulses  beat . 
O  Jesu,  consecrate  to  God  always   . 
O  Light  of  Light,  whose  glory  is  to  dwell 
O  lonely  mother,  reft  of  thy  sweet  child  . 
O  Master  of  the  fount  of  symphonies 
O  Master  of  the  human  heart  , 
One  sate  beside  the  fretting  sea 
Our  God,  our  Father,  who  hadst  given     . 
Ours    is    the    grief  who    still    are    left    in    th 
wilderness        ..... 

Peace,  perfect  peace,  in  this  dark  world  of  sin 
Pray,  always  pray;  the  Holy  Spirit  pleads 

Rest  in  the  Lord,  from  harps  above 


.    154 

.    146 

.  128 

•  225 
.  180 
.  158 

.    162 

•  199 

.    201 

•  32 

•  95 
.    100 

•  43 
.  205 
.  22 
.  118 
.  24 
.  16 
.  no 
.  150 
.  65 

•  135 
.    129 


is   far 


143 


214 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


Rest  in  the  Lord  ;  rest,  weary  heart 

Rise,  captive  Zion,  shine  ;  thy  light  is  come 

Slowly  along  the  nigged  pathway  walk'd 

Stand,  soldier  of  the  cross 

Sweet  in  a  mother's  ears  .... 

The  air  of  heaven  the  changeful  breeze     . 

The  hour  is  come  ;  the  feast  is  spread 

The  ivy  clasps  the  pine   .... 

The  meadow  grass  is  green  and  blithe 

The  Paschal  feast  was  ended  :   multitudes 

The  publican  at  custom's  throng'd  receipt 

There  is  a  land  of  promise 

There  shall  be  no  more  death 

The  sun  is  set,  the  twilight's  o'er     . 

The  sun  was  set,  the  night  was  wild 

Thine,  Lord,  are  the  blossoms  of  forest  and 

Thine,  Thine  for  ever — blessed  bond 

Through  the  crowded   streets   of   Salem,  see: 

whisper  man  to  man 
Till  He  come — Oh,  let  the  words    . 
5Twas  spoken  long  ago  and  far  away 

Uncreated  Fount  of  light 
Upon  the  virgin  mother's  breast 

Was  ever  infant's  joy,  embraced,  caress'd 
Weary,  worn,  and  lonely 
Welcome,  earliest  Eastern  ray 
What  are  these  with  palm  and  song 


field 


they 


PAGE 

152 
26 

77 

2CS 

17 

44 
203 

177 
178 

164 

193 

4 

41 

218 

34 
126 
212 

182 
66 
62 

38 
169 

53 
5i 
74 
60 


INDEX  OF  FIRS!  LINES. 


What  is  that  voice  whose  far-off  echoes  stir 

What  were  those  marks,  apostle  blest 

When  the  morning  paints  the  skies 

When  the  weary  at  heart  and  the  laden  with  s 

When  Thy  smile  serene  and  bright  . 

Where  is  our  fathers'  God 

Who  feels  not  thoughts  within  him  rise 

WThy  will  ye  die  ?  the  question  breaks 

Wrestling  in  agony 

Yes,  billow  after  billow  :  see  they  come 


PAGE 

•   7 

141 

210 

86 

25 

*33 

197 

148 

68 

216 


MORNING  PRA  YER. 

Although  we  ought  at  all  times  humbly  to 
acknowledge  our  sins  before  God  ;  yet  ought  we 
most  chiefly  so  to  do,  when  we  assemble  and  meet 
together  to  render  thanks  for  the  great  benefits  that 
we  have  received  at  His  hands,  to  set  forth  His  most 
worthy  praise,  to  hear  His  most  holy  Word,  and  to 
ask  those  things  which  are  requisite  and  necessary, 
as  well  for  the  body  as  the  soul. — From  the  Ex- 
hortation. 

"  Afen  ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint.''' 
St.  Luke  xviii.  I. 

Pray,  always  pray  ;  the  Holy  Spirit  pleads 
Within  thee  all  thy  daily  hourly  needs. 

Pray,  always  pray  ;  beneath  sin's  heaviest  load 
Prayer  sees  the  blood  from  Jesus'  side  that  flow'd. 

Pray,  always  pray  ;  though  weary,  faint,  and  lone, 
Prayer  nestles  by  the  Father's  sheltering  throne. 

Pray,  always  pray  ;  amid  the  world's  turmoil 
Prayer  keeps  the  heart  at  rest,  and  nerves  for  toil. 

Pray,  always  pray  ;  if  joys  thy  pathway  throng, 
Prayer  strikes  the  harp,  and  sings  the  angels'  song. 

Pray,  always  pray  ;  if  loved  ones  pass  the  veil, 
Prayer  drinks  with  them  of  springs  that  cannot  fail. 

All  earthly  things  with  earth  shall  fade  away  ; 
Prayer  grasps  eternity  :  pray,  always  pray. 

'  B 


EVENING  PR  A  YER. 


EVENING  PRAYER. 

THE   SECOND   COLLECT. 

O  GOD,  from  whom  all  holy  desires,  all  good  coun- 
sels, and  all  just  works  do  proceed  ;  Give  unto  Thy 
servants  that  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give  ; 
that  both  our  hearts  may  be  set  to  obey  Thy  com- 
mandments, and  also  that  by  Thee  we  being  de- 
fended from  the  fear  of  our  enemies,  may  pass  our 
time  in  rest  and  quietness  ;  through  the  merits  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.     Amen. 

"  'Phou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind  is 
stayed  on  Thee,  because  he  trusteth  in  Thee." — Isa.  xxvi.  3. 

Peace,  perfect  peace,  in  this  dark  world  of  sin  ? 
The  blood  of  Jesus  whispers  peace  within. 

Peace,     perfect      peace,     by     thronging      duties 

press'd  ? 
To  do  the  will  of  Jesus,  this  is  rest. 

Peace,     perfect      peace,     with     sorrows     surging 

round  ? 
On  Jesus'  bosom  nought  but  calm  is  found. 

Peace,  perfect  peace,  with  loved  ones  far  away  ? 
In  Jesus'  keeping  we  are  safe  and  they. 

Peace,  perfect  peace,  our  future  all  unknown  ? 
Jesus  we  know,  and  Me  is  on  the  throne. 

Peace,    perfect    peace,    death    shadowing  us  and 

ours  ? 
Jesus  has  vanquish'd  death  and  all  its  powers. 

It  is  enough  :  earth's  struggles  soon  shall  cease, 
And  Jesus  call  us  to  heaven's  perfect  peace. 


AD  VENT  SUN  DA  Y. 


A  D  VENT  S  UN  DA  Y. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  i.,  ii-,  iv.  2. 
Epistle:  Rom.  xiii.  8.     Gospel  :  St.  Matt,  xxi.i — 14. 

THE    COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  give  us  grace  that  we  may  cast 
away  the  works  of  darkness,  and  put  upon  us  the 
armour  of  light,  now  in  the  time  of  this  mortal  life, 
in  which  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  came  to  visit  us  in 
great  humility  ;  that  in  the  last  day,  when  He  shall 
come  again  in  His  glorious  Majesty  to  judge  both 
the  quick  and  dead,  we  may  rise  to  the  life  im- 
mortal, through  Him  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  now  and  ever.     Amen. 

"  The  night  is  far  spent :  the  day  is  at  hand" 
Rom.  xiii.  12. 

Hallelujah  !  He  cometh  with  clouds  and  with  light 
And  the  trumpet  of  God,  in  the  silence  of  night  : 
Heaven's  armies  before  Him  adoringly  bend, 
And  thousands  of  thousands  His  bidding  attend. 

Hallelujah  !  He  cometh  :   and  every  eye 
Beholds  Him  with  anguish  or  rapturous  joy  : 
A  wailing  is  heard  from  the  kindreds  of  earth, 
It  is  drown'd  in  Hosannas  of  heavenly  mirth. 

Hallelujah  !  He  cometh  ;   the  judgment  is  set, 
And  the  nations  are  gatherd  in  crowds  to  His  feet; 
The  earth  and  the  ocean  have  yielded  their  dead, 
And  the  records  of  time  are  unfolded  and  read. 
Hallelujah  !  earth  crumbles  in  ashes  and  dust, 
While  calmly  He  severs  the  wicked  and  just ; 
The  shadows  of  darkness  are  driven  away, 
And  the  morning  has  dawn'd  of  celestial  day. 
B  2 


THE  SECOXD 


THE  SECOND  SUNDA  Y  IN  ADVENT. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  v.,  xi.   I  —  n.,  xxiv. 

Epistle  :  Rom.   xv.  4—14.      Gospel  :  St.  Luke  xxi. 

25-34. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Blessed  Lord,  who  hast  caused  all  holy  Scriptures 
to  be  written  for  our  learning ;  Grant  that  we  may 
in  such  wise  hear  them,  read,  mark,  learn,  and  in- 
wardly digest  them,  that  by  patience,  and  comfort 
of  Thy  holy  Word,  we  may  embrace,  and  ever  hold 
fast  the  blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life,  which  Thou 
hast  given  us  in  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

'*  Whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime  were  written 
for  our  learning ;  that  we  through  patienee  and  comfort  of 

the  Scriptures  might  have  hope.}} — Rom.  xv.  4. 

There  is  a  land  of  promise, 

Which  drinks  the  rain  of  heaven, 
By  everlasting  charter 

To  Zion's  pilgrims  given  ; 
Where  Lebanon  aud  Hcrmon 

Their  blessings  shower  below, 
And  hills  and  rocks  and  valleys 

With  milk  and  honey  flow. 

Joy  for  its  purple  vintage  ! 

Joy  for  its  -olden  sheaves  ! 
No  alien  heart  or  stranger 

Its  wealth  of  love  conceives  ; 
But  travellers  to  glory 

May  walk  therein  at  will, 
And  will)  its  flowers  and  fruitage 

Their  longing  souls  fulfil. 


SUNDA  Y  IN  ADVENT. 


There  is  a  feast  of  gladness 

By  Royal  bounty  spread, 
The  new  wine  of  the  kingdom, 

The  true  and  living  Bread. 
And  whoso  thirsts  and  hungers 

Is  there  a  bidden  guest  ; 
There  grief  forgets  her  weeping, 

The  weary  are  at  rest. 

There  is  a  harp  of  music, 

By  God's  own  fingers  strung, 
With  sweeter  songs  enwoven 

Than  flow  from  angel's  tongue  ; 
And  all  who  mourn  may  listen 

To  those  soft  healing  strains, 
Until  the  heavenly  harpings 

Have  chased  their  bosom's  pains. 

There  is  a  blessed  vision, 

God's  own  apocalypse, 
Whose  far-off  joys  and  splendours 

All  dreams  of  man  eclipse  : 
Jerusalem  the  holy 

Lit  from  the  sapphire  Throne, 
Its  pearls  and  gold  and  crystal, 

Faith  claims  them  for  her  own. 

That  fatherland  of  promise, 

That  banquet  of  delight, 
That  more  than  mortal  music, 

That  vision  infinite, — 
What  are  they  but  the  dowry 

God  to  His  Church  has  given 
In  giving  her  as  heir-loom 

The  oracles  of  heaven  ? 


THE  SECOND  SUNDA  Y  IN  ADVENT. 

Man,  like  the  grass  of  morning, 

Droops  ere  the  evening  hour  ; 
His  goodliness  and  beauty 

Fade  as  a  fading  flower  : 
But  who  may  shake  the  pillars 

Of  God's  unchanging  word  ? 
Amen  :  Himself  hath  spoken  ; 

Amen  :  thus  saith  the  Lord. 

Death's  shadows  fall  around  us, 

Our  path  with  storms  is  rife  : 
O  God,  vouchsafe  Thy  servants 

To  grasp  the  word  of  life  ; 
Until  the  Life  Eternal, 

The  Life  and  Light  of  men, 
With  clouds  of  glory  mantled 

Returns  to  earth  a<rain. 


THE  THIRD  SUN  DA  Y  IN  ADVENT 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  xxv.,  xxvi.,  xxviii.  5 — 19. 
Epistle:   I   Cor.  iv.  1  —  6.     Gospel:  St.  Matt.  xi.  2—  n. 

THE   COLLECT. 

0  LORD  Jesu  Christ,  who  at  Thy  first  coming  didst 
send  Thy  messenger  to  prepare  Thy  way  before 
Thee  ;  Grant  that  the  ministers  and  stewards  of 
Thy  mysteries  may  likewise  so  prepare  and  make 
ready  Thy  way,  by  turning  the  hearts  of  the  disobe- 
dient to  the  wisdom  of  the  just,  that  at  Thy  second 
coming  to  judge  the  world  we  may  be  found  an 
acceptable  people  in  Thy  sight,  who  livest  and 
reignest  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  ever 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

"  I  send  My  messenger  before  Thy  face,  which  shall  pre- 
pare Thy  way  before  Thee." — St.  Matt.  xi.  10. 

What  is  that  voice  whose  far-off  echoes  stir 

The  city  of  the  King,  Jerusalem  ? 
Why  flock  they  to  that  unknown  messenger 

Whose  solitary  presence  troubles  them  ; 
And,  leaving  home  and  mart  and  temple,  press 
Around  that  prophet  in  the  wilderness  ? 

Hark  !  there  was  in  his  burning  words  a  fire, 

Which    lit    the    smouldering    embers    of  their 
breast ; 

A  lightning  flash,  which  spite  of  shame  and  ire, 
Laid  bare  the  secret  of  their  heart's  unrest. 

The  axe  was  lying  by  the  fruitless  tree  : 

Time  paled  before  a  near  eternity. 


8 


THE  THIRD  SUNDA  Y  IN  ADVENT. 


The  prophet  smote  them  ;  bitter  was  the  pain  : 
Full  on  their  soul  they  felt  the  eye  of  heaven  ; 

But  lo  !  the  Lamb  of  God  for  sinners  slain 

Breathed  in  the  Baptist's  words  of  sin  forgiven  : 

There  was  new  life  in  his  stern  cry,  Repent,— 

Life  everlasting  for  the  penitent. 

Lord,  need  we  not  a  voice,  like  John's,  to-day, 
Startling  the  slumbers  of  this  age  of  ours, 

This  age  of  iron  and  of  miry  clay, 

When  men,  equipp'd  in  Nature's  wrested  powers, 

Now  soar  to  God's  throne  on  presumptuous  wing, 

Now  deify  the  earth  to  which  they  cling  ? 

Seems  it  the  world  is  sinking  low  and  lower 

In  greed  of  gain  and  luxury  of  lust  ? 
Seems  it  the  Church's  pulse  is  feebler,  slower, 

And  faith's   clear  vision  dimm'd  with  Reason's 
dust, 
Reason  which  is  unreason, — clouds  which  mar 
The  sharp-cut  outline  of  the  things  that  are? 

Is  it  once  more  that,  while  the  Bridegroom  waits, 
The  virgins  slumber  and  their  lamps  grow  dim  ? 

Will  no  man  cry,  "  He  stands  before  the  gates  : 
Awake,  arise.     Go  forth  to  welcome  Him''? 

Are  there  not  watchers  for  the  morning  yet, 

Who  hail  the  kindling  glow  on  Olivet  ? 

Night  is  far  spent,  the  day  spring  is  at  hand  ; 

And  sin  abounds,  and  love  is  waxing  cold  : 
Why  do  Thy  servants,  Lord,  thus  trembling  stand  ? 

Is  not  Thine  Arm  almighty  as  of  old  ? 
Thy  early  herald  grasp'd  the  hearts  of  men  : 
Is  not  Thy  Spirit's  might  the  same  as  then  ? 


THE  THIRD  SUNDA  Y  IN  ADVENT.         9 

Oh,  grant  the  stewards  of  Thy  mysteries 

May   hear   the    Bridegroom's    steps,   the   Bride- 
groom' voice, 
And  still  amid  the  vain  world's  myriad  cries 

Make   answer,  watch  to  watch,   "  He    comes  — 
rejoice  " — 
Until  the  day  breaks  and  the  shadows  flee, 
And  earth,  as  heaven,  adores  and  worships  Thee. 


THE  FOURTH 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDA  Y  IN  ADVENT. 
Lessons  :  Isaiah  xxx.  I — 27.,  xxxii.,  xxxiii.  2 — 23. 

Epistle  :  Phil.  iv.  4 — 8.  Gospel  :  St.  John  i.  19—29. 
THE  COLLECT. 
0  Lord,  raise  up  (we  pray  Thee)  Thy  power,  and 
come  among  us,  and  with  great  might  succour  us  ; 
that  whereas,  through  our  sins  and  wickedness,  we 
are  sore  let  and  hindered  in  running  the  race  that 
is  set  before  us,  Thy  bountiful  grace  and  mercy  may 
speedily  help  and  deliver  us  ;  through  the  satisfac- 
tion of  Thy  Son  our  Lord,  to  whom  with  Thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  be  honour  and  glory,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

"  He  it  is,  who  coming  after  me  is  preferred  before 
me,  whose  shoe's  latchet  1  am  not  worthy  to  unloose." — 
St.  John  i.  27. 

Hark,  hark  !  the  advent  cry  again  : 

The  angels  sing  His  birth, 
11  Glory  to  God,  goodwill  to  men, 
And  peace  on  earth. " 

He  comes  ;  and  eager  listeners  throng 

The  lowly  path  He  trod  ; 
For  peace  is  ever  on  His  tongue, — 

The  peace  of  God. 
See,  His  frail  bark  the  waters  fill  : 

Yet  why  that  faithless  dread  ? 
Before  His  mighty  "  Peace,  be  still," 

The  storm  is  fled. 
A  weeping  sinner  dares  to  touch 
And  bathe  His  feet  with  tears  : 
And  "  Go  in  peace  :  thou  lovest  much,'' 
Is  all  she  hears. 


SUNDA  Y  IN  AD  VENT. 


His  hour  is  come  :  sad  bosoms  heave 

With  bodings  unexpress'd. 
Peace — grief  itself  forgets  to  grieve 
At  His  bequest. 

O  never,  never,  gentle  Dove, 

Let  Thy  soft  pleadings  cease, 
Until  we  bask  in  light  and  love 
And  perfect  peace. 


12 


CHRISTMAS  DA  Y. 


CHRISTMAS    DAY. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  ix.  I — 8,  vii.  io — 17;  St.  Luke  ii.  I  — 15  ; 

Titus  iii.  4 — 9. 

Epistle:  Heb.  i.  1  — 13.     Gospel:  St.  John  i.  1  —  15. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  Thy  only-begot- 
ten Son  to  take  our  nature  upon  Him,  and  as  at  this 
time  to  be  born  of  a  pure  Virgin  ;  Grant  that  we 
being  regenerate,  and  made  Thy  children  by  adoption 
and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  ;  through  the  same  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  same 
Spirit,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen, 

"  And  suddenly  there  urns  with  the  angel  a  multitude  of 
the  heavenly  host  praising  God,  and  saying,  Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  toward  men. " 
—  St.  Luke  ii.  13,  14. 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest, 

And  on  earth  peace, 

Good  will  toward  men. 
Glory,  O  Heaven,  from  world  to  world  thou  criest  ; 
Peace  thou,  O  Earth,  from  shore  to  shore  repliest. 

Earth  lifts  her  face 

To  Heaven's  embrace, 
And  Paradise,  with  countless  tongues, 
Renews  the  rapture  of  angelic  songs, 

Again,  again,  again. 

Hark,  how  the  tide  of  glory, 
Fuller  and  higher, 

Swells  round  the  Throne  ! 


CHRIS  TMA  S  DA  Y.  1 3 

No  rippling  wave  of  triumph  transitory, 
But  pealing  on  and  on  the  blessed  story, 
Sung  by  heaven's  choir, — 
Hearts,  lips  afire, — 
Rises  an  everlasting  hymn 
From  hosts  of  light  and  winged  cherubim, 
Glory  to  God  alone  ! 

Who  sleeps  ?     Wake,  men  and  brothers  ! 

Awake,  my  soul  ! 

Awake  and  sing  ! 
Let  freemen  tell  heaven's  charter  forth  to  others, 
And  smiling  infants  learn  it  from  their  mothers  ; 

Till  tidings  roll 

From  pole  to  pole, 
And  Jesus,  born  in  Bethlehem, 
Assumes  the  throne  in  great  Jerusalem, 

Emmanuel  our  King. 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest, 
And  on  earth  peace, 
Good  will  toward  men. 
O  listen,  weary,  lonely  heart,  that  sighest, 
Till,  ravish'd  with  the  song,  thyself  repliest, — 
I  lift  my  face 
To  Christ's  embrace. 
Our  Father,— now  no  voice  is  dumb, — 
Now  hallow'd  be  Thy  name,  Thy  kingdom 
come, 
Amen,  amen,  ameu. 


M 


SAINT  STEPHEN'S  DAY. 


SAINT  STEPHEN'S  DA  Y. 

Lessons  :  Genesis  iv.    I  —  n  ;  2  Chron.   xxiv.   15 — 23; 

Acts  vi.,  viii.  1  —  9. 

For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  vii.  55.   Gospel  :  St.  Matt,  xxiii.  34. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that,  in  all  our  sufferings  here  upon 
earth  for  the  testimony  of  Thy  truth,  we  may  sted- 
fastly  look  up  to  heaven,  and  by  faith  behold  the 
glory  that  shall  be  revealed  ;  and,  being  filled  with 
the  Holy  Ghost,  may  learn  to  love  and  bless  our 
persecutors  by  the  example  of  Thy  first  Martyr 
Saint  Stephen,  who  prayed  for  his  murderers  to 
Thee,  O  blessed  Jesus,  who  standest  at  the  right 
hand  of  God  to  succour  all  those  that  suffer  for 
Thee,  our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate.     Amen. 

"  And  they  stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon  God,  and  say- 
ing, Lord  Jesus  receive  my  spirit.  And  he  kneeled  down, 
and  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  Lord,  lay  not  this  sin  to  their 
charge.  And  when  he  had  said  this,  he  Jell  asleep.'1  — 
Acts  vii.  59,  60. 

Heaven's  glory  in  his  heart  and  eye, 
Mid  crushing  stones  and  taunting  foes, 

The  martyr  knelt  in  prayer  to  die  ; 
And  as  he  sank  to  God's  repose, 

Breathed,  "  Jesu  Lord,  receive  my  spirit." 

And  on  from  age  to  age,  since  then, 
Have  saints  their  torches  lit  from  his, 

And  children,  maidens,  matrons,  men, 
Pass'd  with  this  watchword  into  bliss, 
"  0  Jesu  Lord,  receive  our  spirit." 


SAINT  STEPHEN'S  DAY.  15 

Dear  Master,  kneeling  at  Thy  cross  ; 

They  learn'd  that  they  were  not  their  own  ; 
For  Thee  they  held  the  world  but  loss, 

Rich  in  this  daily  prayer  alone, 

Be  Thine  our  body,  soul,  and  spirit. 

They  died  in  peace,  they  sleep  in  Thee, 

They  wait  the  resurrection  morn, 
When  clothed  with  immortality 

Thy  mystic  Bride,  the  Church  first  born, 

Shall  wear  Thy  likeness,  flesh  and  spirit. 

In  life  and  death,  Lord,  may  I  trust 
My  spirit  where  they  trusted  theirs  ? 

O  foolish  heart,  thy  may  is  must, 
And  love  in  holy  venture  dares 

Pray,  When  Thou  wilt,  receive  my  spirit. 


16  SAINT  JOHN  THE  EVANGELISTS  DAY. 


SAINT  JOHN  THE  EVANGELISTS  DAY. 

Lessons  :  Exod.  xxxiii.  9;  Isaiah  vi.;  St  John  xiii.  23  —  3 
Rev.  i. 
Epistle  :   1  John  i.  1.     Gospel  :  St.  John  xxi.  19. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Merciful  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  to  cast  Thy 
bright  beams  of  light  upon  Thy  Church,  that  it  being 
enlightened  by  the  doctrine  of  Thy  blessed  Apostle 
and  Evangelist  Saint  John,  may  so  walk  in  the 
light  of  Thy  truth,  that  it  may  at  length  attain  to  the 
light  of  everlasting  life;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

"  N'oiu  there  tvas  leaning  on  Jesus'  bosom  one  of  His 
disciples,  whom  Jesus  loved.'1'1 — St.  John  xiii.  23. 

O  Light  of  Light,  whose  glory  is  to  dwell, 
Effulgent  God,  with  God  Invisible  : 

O  Life  of  Life,  whose  fountain  unexplored 
Flows  where  archangel's  wing  hath  never  soar'd  : 

O  Love  of  Love,  whose  uncreated  rest 

Is  the  fruition  of  Thy  Father's  breast  : 

O  Light,  whose  Day  spring,  dawning  from  on  high, 

Shone  in  Thy  loved  apostle's  heart  and  eye  : 

O  Life,  whose  quickening  Spirit  breathed  the  wor 

Of  heavenly  wisdom  in  his  accents  heard  : 

O  Love,  whose  bosom,  in  its  woes  serene, 
Suffer'd  his  love  and  sorrow  there  to  lean  : 

O  Life,  Light,  Love,  unchanging  evermore, 
Upon  Thy  Church  Thy  grace  and  glory  pour; 

Until,  beyond  all  storms  of  earthly  strife. 
She  gains  the  light  of  everlasting  life. 


THE  INNOCENTS'  DAY.  i7 


THE  EX  NO  CENTS'  DA  Y. 

Lessons  :  Jer.  xxxi.  I  — 18;    Baruch  iv.  21  -31. 

For  the  Epistle  :    Rev.  xiv.  1 — 6.      Gospel  :    St.    Matt. 

ii.  13—19- 

THE  COLLECT. 

0  Almighty  God,  who  out  of  the  mouths  of  babes 
and  sucklings  hast  ordained  strength,  and  madest 
infants  to  glorify  Thee  by  their  deaths  ;  Mortify  and 
kill  all  vices  in  us,  and  so  strengthen  us  byThy  grace, 
that  by  the  innocency  of  our  lives,  and  constancy  of 
our  faith  even  unto  death,  we  may  glorify  Thy  holy 
Name  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  as  the  voice  of  many 
waters,  and  as  the  voice  of  a  great  thunder :  and  I  heard  the 
voice  of  harpers  harping  with  their  harps." — Rev.  xiv.  2. 

"  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  sucklings  hast  Thou 
perfected  praise.'1'' — St.  Matt.  xxi.  16. 

Sweet  in  a  mother's  ears 
Is  the  first  ripple  of  her  baby's  laughter  ; 
And,  when  her  sunny  smile  has  kiss'd  its  tears, 

Sweet  is  the  cooing  that  comes  after. 
And  as  her  group  of  rosy  innocents 

Around  the  cradle,  girl  and  boy, 
Clap  hands  for  very  joy. 
And  find  innumerable  merriments 

In  every  ray  of  light  that  floods  the  room 

And  every  wild  flowers  many-glancing  bloom 
Surely  that  mother's  heart  may  be  forgiven, 

If  in  her  children's  voices  soft  and  strong 

She  hears  an  echo  of  the  angels'  song 
And  deems  it  not  unheard  in  heaven. 


18  THE  INNOCENTS"  DAY. 

How  holy  infancy 
With  its  mysterious  glee, 
And  childhood  with  its  mirth 
Which  only  One  can  fully  read, 
Shall  in  the  leather's  kingdom  reap  the  seed 

Sown  here  on  earth, 
When  He  who  bought  them  with  His  blood 
Has  gather'd  lilies  in  the  bud, 

Are  of  those  solemn  mysteries 
Which  wait  us  in  the  skies. 
But  this  is  granted  to  our  longing  eyes 
Heaven's  mansions  (so  Eternal  Love  hath  will'd) 
With  children  and  with  child-like  saints  are  fill'd. 
And  when  we  dimly  faintly  realize 
The  numbers  without  number, 
The  multitudinous  throng 
From  every  kindred,  tribe,  and  tongue, 
Of  babes  and  sucklings  gathered  home 
Before  they  learn'd  in  paths  of  sin  to  roam, 
Which  in  our  waking  hours  and  hours   of 

slumber 
Pass  the  pearl  gates  of  Paradise, 
What  eye  can  count  the  wavelets  of  that  sea 
Which  circles  with  an  ever-deepening  flood 
Of  crystal-clear  felicity 

The  sapphire  throne  of  God  ? 

What  though  each  little  voice 
Which  sings,  "  Rejoice,  rejoice," 
Be  in  itself  a  humble  thing; 
A  tiny  slender  string 
Upon  the  harp  of  all  creation's  praise, 
A  thread  ot  gossamer  then  only  seen 
When  glancing  in  the  sheen 
Of  the  sun's  golden  rays  ? 


THE  INNOCENTS'  DAY.  19 

What  if  one  infant's  treble  in  that  chant 

Melodiously  jubilant 
Be  but  the  smallest  flute-voiced  reed, 
Which  none  would  care  alone  to  heed, 
Of  that  vast  organ,  into  which  is  pour'd 
The  Spirit  of  the  Omnipresent  Lord  ? 

Yet  let  that  trill  of  song 
A  thousand  times  ten  thousand  multiplied, 
Like  ocean's  bosom  gathering  the  rills 
That  trickle  down  the  everlasting  hills, 
Through  heaven's  eternal  arches  peal  along  : 

And  that  majestic  tide 
Shall  be  as  many  waters,  or  the  roll 
Of  mighty  thunderings  from  pole  to  pole. 


True,  there  are  grand  and  noble  chords 

On  that  great  harp  of  eucharist, 
Deep  toned  and  vibrating  to  loftiest  words  : 
Prophet  and  patriarch 
Who  loved  to  mark 
The  shadows  of  the  coming  Christ ; 

And,  when  He  came, 
Apostle,  Martyr,  and  Evangelist 
Who  joy'd  to  suffer  shame 
And  die  for  His  dear  name  : 
And  lordly  kingly  souls  of  every  age 
Whose  record  is  on  high 
In  chronicles  above  the  sky, 
Unwritten  in  fame's  partial  page, 

But  known  by  secret  signs 
God's  heroes  and  God's  heroines  : 

Massive  and  vast 
These  pipes  of  heaven's  great  organ,  cast 
True  metal  in  celestial  mould, 
c  2 


20 


THE  INNOCENTS'  DA  Y. 


Responsive  to  the  Spirit's  gentlest  breath 

Or  loudest  blast, 
Still  echoing  Jehovah  saith, 
And  uttering  things  new  and  old 
In  tones  alike  submissive  and  sublime, 
That  whoso  listens  learns  the  mind  of  God 
And  glories  that  the  heirs  of  flesh  and  blood 
The  walls  of  heaven  can  climb. 

Not  in  dispraise  of  them 
The  leaders  of  our  militant  array 

Remember  we  the  babes  of  Bethlehem, 
Unconscious  martyrs  for  their  Lord  to-day 
But  lost  in  adoration  of  His  love, 
Who  fashions  all 
Things  great  and  small 
For  an  eternity  of  bliss  above. 
The  hills  must  have  their  heathery  bloom 

Of  purple  and  perfume  : 
The  sun  must  glisten  in  the  dews, 
Or  morn  her  diamond  brightness  lose  ; 
Night  could  not  spare  the  feeblest  gem, 
That  sparkles  in  her  diadem  : 
And  heaven,  with  all  its  choirs 

Of  saints  and  angels  link'd  in  tune 
And  harpers  harping  on  their  golden  lyres 

The  name  of  the  Triune, 
Needs  mid  her  throug  of  worshippers 
These  babes,  these  innocent  choristers 

Who  ever  on  the  wing 
And  singing,  for  they  cannot  choose  but  sing 
For  foy  of  heart  alwaj  s, 
Arc  in  their  weakness  strong 
And  perfect  heaven's  harmonious  song 
( )f  everlasting  praise. 


THE  INNOCENTS'  DA  K 


So,  happy  mother,  quaff 
The  cup  of  joy  that  overflows  the  brim, 
And  in  the  music  of  thy  infant's  laugh, 
And  in  the  smile  upon  its  cheek 
Which  whispers  more  than  words  can  speak, 
Catch  echoes  of  the  songs  of  cherubim. 
These  lights  so  faint  and  fugitive 

By  which  we  live, 
Are  no  mere  idle  dreams, 
But  prophecies,  foreshadowings, 
Heralds  and  gleams 
Of  better  things  to  come, 
Where  seraphs  veil  their  faces  with  their  wings 
In  the  calm  glory  of  the  Father's  home. 


22 


THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y 


THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
CHRISTMAS. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  xxxv.,  xxxviii.,  xl. 
Epistle  :  Gal.  iv.  I— S,     Gospel  :  St.  Matt.  i.  18. 

THE    COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  Thy  only  begot- 
ten Son  to  take  our  nature  upon  Him,  and  as  at 
this  time  to  be  born  of  a  pure  Virgin  ;  Grant  that 
we  being  regenerate,  and  made  Thy  children  by 
adoption  and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  Thy 
Holy  Spirit  ;  through  the  same  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the 
same  Spirit,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen, 

"  The  grass  zvitkereth,  the  flower  fadeth  ;  but  the  word 
of  our  God  shall  stand  for  ever." — Isaiah  xl.   8. 

O  God,  the  Rock  of  Ages, 

Who  evermore  hast  been, 
What  time  the  tempest  rages, 

Our  dwelling-place  serene  : 
Before  Thy  first  creations, 

O  Lord,  the  same  as  now, 
To  endless  generations 

The  Everlasting  Thou  ! 

Our  years  are  like  the  shadows 

On  sunny  hills  that  lie, 
Or  grasses  in  the  meadows 

That  blossom  but  to  die  : 
A  sleep,  a  dream,  a  story 

By  strangers  quickly  told, 
An  unremaining  glory 

Of  things  that  soon  are  old. 


AFTER  CHRISTMAS.  23 

O  Thou,  who  canst  not  slumber, 

Whose  light  grows  never  pale, 
Teach  us  aright  to  number 

Our  years  before  they  fail. 
On  us  Thy  mercy  lighten, 

On  us  Thy  goodness  rest, 
And  let  Thy  Spirit  brighten 

The  hearts  Thyself  hast  bless'd. 

Lord,  crown  our  faith's  endeavour 

With  beauty  and  with  grace, 
Till,  clothed  in  light  for  ever, 

WTe  see  Thee  face  to  face  : 
A  joy  no  language  measures  ; 

A  fountain  brimming  o'er  ; 
An  endless  flow  of  pleasures  \ 

An  ocean  without  shore. 


24 


THE  CIRCUMCISION  OF  CHRIST. 


THE  CIRCUMCISION  OF  CHRIST. 

Lessons:    Gen.    xvii.    9;    Deut.    x.    12;   Rom.    ii.    17; 

Col.  ii.  8—18. 
Epistle:  Rom.  iv.  8  —  15.     Gospel  :  St  Luke  ii.  15 — 22. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  madest  Thy  blessed  Son  to 
be  circumcised,  and  obedient  to  the  law  for  man  ; 
Grant  us  the  true  circumcision  of  the  Spirit  ;  that, 
our  hearts  and  all  our  members,  being  mortified 
from  all  worldly  and  carnal  lusts,  we  may  in  all 
things  obey  Thy  blessed  will  ;  through  the  same  Thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

"  And  1107V,  Israel^  what  doth  the  lord  thy  God  require  of 
thee,  but  to  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  walk  in  all  His  ways, 
and  to  love  Him,  and  to  serve  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all 
thy  heart  and  with  all  thy  soul  ?  "—  Deut.  x.  12. 

O  Jesu,  consecrate  to  God  always, 
Baptized  in  blood  for  us  from  infant  days, 
Be  Thine,  O  Lord,  by  holy  prayer  and  vow 
The  year  we  enter  by  Thy  mercy  now. 

We  know  not,  Master,  and  we  would  not  know, 
What  shall  befall  us  day  by  day  below  ; 
Or  if  the  angel  of  Thy  will  and  love 
This  year  shall  bear  us  to  Thy  rest  above. 

But  well  we  know  Thy  tenderness  and  power 
Will  never  faint  nor  fail  us  hour  by  hour, 
And  all  our  supplications  blend  in  one, — 
'I  by  will  in  us,  Thy  will  by  us  be  done. 


SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  CHRISTMAS.  25 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER 
CHRISTMAS. 

Lessons  :  Tsaiah  xlii.,  xliii.,  xliv. 
Epistle  and  Gospel  same  as  the  Circumcision. 

u  0  Israel,  fear  not :  for  I  have  redeemed  thee,  I  have 
called  thee  by  thy  name ;  thou  art  Mine:  when  thou  passest 
through  the  waters  I 'will  be  with  thee;  a?id  through  the 
rivers,  they  shall  not  overflow  thee." — Isaiah  xliii.  1,2. 

li  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  Thee?  and  there  is  none 
upo?i  earth  that  I  desire  i7i  comparison  of  Thee.''' — Psalm 
lxxiii.  24  {Prayer-Book  Version). 

When  Thy  smile,  serene  and  bright, 
Floods  my  homeward  path  with  light, 
Open,  Lord,  mine  eyes  to  see  ; 
"Whom  have  I  on  earth  but  Thee  ?  " 

In  affliction's  darkest  cloud, 
To  the  dust  with  anguish  bow'd, 
Let  me  plead  confidingly  ; 
"  Jesu,  whom  have  I  but  Thee  ? '' 

In  the  shadowy  vale  of  death, 
Be  my  last  and  labouring  breath, 
"  Flesh  and  heart  are  failing  me  : 
Whom,  Lord,  have  I  now  but  Thee  ? n 

Jordan  past,  how  sweet  the  song  ! 
Canaan  won,  how  bright  the  throng  ! 
Lord,  through  all  eternity, 
Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  Thee  ? 


26 


THE  EPIPHANY. 


THE  EPIPHANY. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  lx.,  xlix.    13 — 24;  St.  Luke  iii.    15 — 23  ; 

St.  John  ii.  1  — 12. 
Epistle  :  Ephes.  iii.  I  — 13.     Gospel:  St.  Matt.  ii.  1 — 13. 

THE    COLLECT. 

O  God,  who  by  the  leading  of  a  star  didst  manifest 
Thy  only-begotten  Son  to  the  Gentiles  ;  Mercifully 
grant  that  we  which  know  Thee  now  by  faith,  may 
after  this  life  have  the  fruition  of  Thy  glorious  God- 
head ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     A  nun. 

u  Arise,  shine  ;  for  thy  light  is  come,  and  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  is  risen  upon  thee." — Isaiah  lx.  1. 

Rise,  captive  Zion,  shine  ;  thy  light  is  come  ; 

The  glory  of  the  Lord  on  thee  hath  risen. 
Arise  and  sing  ;  and  in  thy  palace  home 

Forget  the  dust  and  darkness  of  thy  prison. 
Lost  and   astray,   thy  Shepherd  now  hath  found 

thee  : 
Childless  so  long,  thy  children  cluster  round  thee  : 
A  widow  for  these  weary  centuries, 
Thy  Husband  hath  return'd  and  bids  thee,  rise. 

Yet  faint  and  feeble  to  the  eyes  of  man 

Dawns  the  far  dayspring  for  the  dead  and  dying. 
Earth  cannot  read  heaven  S  mighty  mystic  plan, 

Where  sleeps  yon  Infant  in  a  manger  lying  ; 
Hut  God's  own  courier  leads  His  Eastern  sages 
There  to  adore  the  great  Desire  of  ages, 
Who  shower  before  Him  costliest  offerings, 
And  worship  in  that  Babe  the  King  of  kings. 


THE  EPIPHANY.  27 

O  Thou,  who  badest  light  from  darkness  shine, 

Write  in  our  hearts  Redemption's  earliest  story, 
The  Human  only  veiling  the  Divine, 

Love's  coronation  in  that  hidden  glory. 
Faith  knows  Thee  now.     Oh,  grant  us  the  fruition 
Hereafter  of  Thy  Godhead's  glorious  vision  : 
Now  God  with  us,  all  hail  Emmanuel  ! 
Then  and  for  ever  we  with  God  to  dwell. 


28 


THE  FIRST  SUNDA  V 


THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  li.,  Hi.  13.  and  liii.,  liv. 
Epistle  :  Rom.  xii.  1 — 6.      Gospel :  St.  Luke  ii.  41. 
THE    COLLECT. 
O  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  mercifully  to  receive  the 
prayers  of  Thy  people  which  call  upon  Thee ;  and 
grant  that  they  may  both  perceive  and  know  what 
things  they  ought  to  do,  and  also  may  have  grace 
and    power  faithfully  to  fulfil  the   same  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amc?i. 

"  Therefore  the  redee??ied  of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and 
come  with  singing  unto  Zion" — Isaiah  li.  11. 

"  lie  shall  see  of  the  travail  of  His  soul,  and  shall  be 
satisfied." — Isaiah  liii.  11. 

11  I  heard  as  it  were  the  voice  of  a  great  multitude,  and 
as  the  voice  of  many  waters,  and  as  the  voice  of  mighty 
thunderingSy  saying,  Alleluia." — Rev.  xix.  6. 

Hark,  creation's  Alleluia,  rising  from  a  thousand 

shores, 
Vibrates  sweet  as  angel  voices,  loud  as  many  waters 

roars, — 
"  Blessing,  glory,  power,  salvation  to  our  God  upon 

the  Throne, 
Father,   Son,  and    Holy  Spirit,  infinite,   supreme, 

alone." 
On  and  on,  from  dawn   to  sunset,  borne  on  every 

changeful  wind, 
From    the    myriad-minded  peoples    of  the   hoary 

climes  of  Ind, 
From  the  ransom'd  sons  of  Afric,  from  old  Sinim's 

crowded  lands, 
From    the   freeborn    wanderers   roaming   Araby:s 

unconquer'd  sands. 


AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  29 

From  the  coasts  of  ice  to  regions  where  perpetual 

summer  smiles, 
From  the  sunny-hearted  children  of  the  far  Pacific 

isles, 
From  the  numbers    without    number   of  rejoicing 

Christendom, 
From  the  watchers  for  His  advent  who  will  soon  to 

Zion  come. 

Gathering  strength  from  every  nation,  every  kindred, 

tribe,  and  tongue, 
Hark,  that  everlasting  anthem,  hark  that  glorious 

tide  of  song, 
Floods  the  valleys  with  its  music,  echoes  from  the 

lasting  hills, 
Onward,  upward,  till  the  temple  of  the  living  God 

it  fills. 

Hark,  it  mingles  with  the  raptures  of  the  armies  of 

the  sky, 
Who  have  pass'd  through  tribulation  into  perfect 

rest  on  high, 
Clothed    in    robes    of   spotless    beauty,    palms    of 

triumph  in  their  hand, 
Harping  on  their  harps   Hosannas,  as  before  His 

face  they  stand  : 

"  Glory  unto  Him  who  loved  us,  Him  who  wash'd 

us  with  His  blood, 
Kings  and  priests  henceforth  for  ever  to  our  Father 

and  our  God. 
Alleluia  !    saints    and    angels,    raise    your  loudest 

loftiest  strains  : 
Alleluia!     hell    is    vanquished:     God     the     Lord 

Almighty  reigns.'5 


30  THE  SECOND  SUNDA  V 

THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE 

EPIPHANY. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  lv. ,  lvii. ,  Ixi. 

Epistle  :  Rom.  xii.  6 — 17.      Gospel  :  St.  John  ii.  1  — 12. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  dost  govern 
all  things  in  heaven  and  earth  ;  Mercifully  hear 
the  supplications  of  Thy  people,  and  grant  us  Thy 
peace  all  the  days  of  our  life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     A?nen. 

"  This   beginning  of  miracles   did  Jesus   in   Cana  of 
Galilee  and  manifested  forth  His  glory" — St.  John  ii.  II. 

A   MARRIAGE   HYMN. 
Ere  the  words  of  peace  and  love, 
Breathed  on  earth,  are  borne  above, 
While  their  echo,  soft  and  clear, 
Lingers  on  the  tranced  ear, 
Catch  upon  your  lips  the  strain, 
Swell  the  notes  of  prayer  again, 
Prayer  with  benedictions  fraught, 
Passing  words  and  passing  thought  : 

Co-eternal  Three  in  One, 

Seal  the  nuptial  benison. 
Blessings  from  the  earth  beneath, 
Fruits  and  flowers  in  woven  wreath  ; 
Balmy  dews  that  heaven  distils 
On  the  everlasting  hills  ; 
Angel  wings,  a  guard  of  light 
O'er  the  peaceful  home  by  night  ; 
Angel  steps  to  tend  the  way 
Onward,  heavenward,  day  by  day  : 

Co-eternal  Three  in  One 

Seal  the  nuptial  benison. 


AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  31 

Hear  our  prayer  :  this  union  be 
Ratified,  O  God,  by  Thee  : 
This  another  link  entwined 
Hearts  and  homes  and  heaven  to  bind 
In  that  mystic  chain  of  love, 
Holding  us,  but  held  above  ; 
Knitting  all  that  world  to  this, 
Eden's  bloom  to  glory's  bliss  : 

Co-eternal  Three  in  One, 

Seal  the  nuptial  benison. 

Three  in  One,  and  One  in  Three, 

Blessedness  is  blessing  Thee  ; 

While  we  pour  in  chant  and  hymn, 

Full  hearts,  flowing  o'er  the  brim. — ■ 

Water  by  Thy  power  benign 

Blushing  as  celestial  wine, — 

Till  within  the  golden  gates, 

Where  the  Lamb  His  bridal  waits, 

We  with  all  the  white-robed  throngs 
Sing  the  heavenly  Song  of  songs. 


32 


THE  THIRD  SUNDA  Y 


THE  THIRD  SUN  DA  V  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  lxii.,  lxv. ,  l.wi. 
Epistle  :  Rom.  xii.  16.     Gospel  :  St.  Matt.  viii.  I — 14. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  mercifully  look 
upon  our  infirmities,  and  in  all  our  dangers  and 
necessities  stretch  forth  Thy  right  hand  to  help  and 
defend  us  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen, 

"I  have  set  watchmen  upon  thy  walls,  0  Jerusalem, 
which  shall  never  hold  their  peace  day  nor  nigJit :  ye  that 
make  mention  of  the  Lord,  keep  not  silence,  and  give  Him 
no  rest  till  He  establish  and  till  lie  make  Jerusalem  a  praise 
in  the  earth** — Isaiah  lxii.  6,  7. 

O  brothers,  lift  your  voices, 

Triumphant  songs  to  raise  ; 
Till  heaven  on  high  rejoices, 

And  earth  is  til  I'd  with  praise. 
Ten  thousand  hearts  are  bounding 

With  holy  hopes  and  free  ; 
The  Gospel  trump  is  sounding, 

The  trump  of  Jubilee. 

O  Christian  brothers,  glorious 

Shall  be  the  conflict's  close  : 
The  cross  hath  been  victorious, 

And  shall  be  o'er  its  iocs. 
Faith  is  our  battle-token  ; 

Our  leader  all  controls  ; 
Our  trophies,  fetters  broken  ; 

Our  captives,  ransom'd  souls. 


AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY,  33 

Not  unto  us — Lord  Jesus, 

To  Thee  all  praise  be  due  ; 
Whose  blood-bought  mercy  frees  us, 

Has  freed  our  brethren  too. 
Not  unto  us — in  glory 

The  angels  catch  the  strain, 
And  cast  their  crowns  before  Thee 

Exultingly  again. 

Captain  of  our  salvation, 

Thy  presence  we  adore  : 
Pnise,  glory,  adoration 

Be  Thine  for  evermore. 
Still  on  in  conflict  pressing 

On  Thee  Thy  people  call, 
Thee  King  of  kings  confessing, 

Thee  crowning  Lord  of  all. 


34 


THE  FOURTH  SUN  DA  Y 


THE  FOURTH  SUN  DA  V  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

Lessons  :  Job  xxvii.,  xxviii.,  xxix. 
Epistle  :  Rom.  xiii.  I — 8.     Gospel :  St.  Matt.  viii.  23. 

THE  COLLECT. 

0  GOD,  who  knowcst  us  to  be  set  in  the  midst  of 
so  many  and  great  dangers,  that  by  reason  of  the 
frailty  of  our  nature  we  cannot  always  stand 
upright  ;  Grant  to  us  such  strength  and  protection 
as  may  support  us  in  all  dangers,  and  carry  us 
through  all  temptations  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

"  He  arose  and  rebuked  the  wind,  and  said  to  the  sea, 
Peace,  be  still.  And  the  wind  ceased,  and  there  was  a  great 
calm.''''  "  They  jound  the  man,  out  of  whom  the  dtvils 
were  departed,  sitting  at  the  feet  of  Jesus ." — St.  Matt.  viii. 
23 — 34;  St.  Mark  iv.  35— v.  20;  St.  Luke  viii.  22—40. 

The  sun  was  set,  the  night  was  wild, 

Rough  winds  o'er  sullen  waters  swept  ; 
But  calmly  as  a  tired  child 
Jesus  slept. 

"  Save  us,  we  perish  ;  save  us,  Lord." 

He  rose,  and  only  breathed  His  will  : 
The  winds  and  waters  knew  His  word, 
"  Peace,  be  still." 

Ah  !  wilder  than  the  wildest  waves, 

Dark  passions,  surging  up  from  hell, 
Within  the  breast  of  Satan's  slaves 
Rage  and  swell. 


AFTER  THE  EFIFHANY.  35 

He  spoke,  and  at  His  accents  sweet, 

Demoniacs  trembled,  sore  afraid, 
And  soon,  as  learners  at  His  feet, 
Knelt  and  pray'd. 

O  Master  of  creation's  realm, 

O  Lord  of  human  hearts  divine, 
When  rugged  tempests  overwhelm 
Me  and  mine  ; 

Come  then  to  me,  my  Saviour,  come  ; 
Bid  Thou  the  stormy  tumult  cease, 
And  whisper  through  the  troubled  gloom 
Peace,  Thy  peace. 


D  2 


36  THE  FIFTH  SUN  DA  Y 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDA  V  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

Lessons:  Prov.  i.,  iii.,  viii. 
Epistle  :  Col.  iii.  12 — 18.   Gospel :  St.  Matt.  xiii.  24 — 31. 

THE    COLLECT. 

0  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  to  keep  Thy  Church 
and  household  continually  in  Thy  true  religion  ; 
that  they  who  do  lean  only  upon  the  hope  of  Thy 
heavenly  grace  may  evermore  be  defended  by  Thy 
mighty  power;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

"  Whoso  findeth  Me  findeth  life,  and  shall  obtain  favour 
of  the  Lord  1  but  lie  that  sinneth  against  Me  wrongeth  his 
own  soul:  all  they  that  hate  Me  love  death." — Prov.  viii. 
35,  36. 

Hark  !  hark  !  the  voice  of  numbers, 

Whose  number  no  man  knows, 
Awakes  the  Church's  slumbers 

And  stirs  her  long  repose: 
The  wail  of  men  and  mothers, 

The  children's  piteous  cry, 
"  Come,  help  us,  we  are  brothers  ; 
Come,  help  us,  ere  we  die." 

Ah,  woe  for  human  nature, 

Woe  for  its  deeds  of  shame, 
When  man,  the  ruin'd  creature, 

Knows  not  the  Maker's  Name  ; 
When  no  true  balm  assuages 

Time's  daily  load  of  care, 
And  o'er  the  coming  ages 

Broods  infinite  despair  ! 


AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  37 

There  no  baptismal  blessing 

Rests  on  the  infant  brow  ; 
No  lips,  our  God  confessing, 

Pledge  there  the  holy  vow  ; 
No  ear  enraptured  listens 

To  Jesus'  words  of  grace  ; 
No  eye  with  longing  glistens, 

To  see  Him  face  to  face. 

Still  onward  to  the  river, 

Which  all  must  cross,  they  move, 
And  meet  the  dread  For-ever 

Unweeting  "  God  is  love." 
And  yet  the  Sun  has  risen 

Of  everlasting  day  ; 
The  bars  of  death's  dark  prison 

Our  Life  has  borne  away. 

Oh,  tell  them  of  the  story 

Which  leads  to  perfect  bliss, 
Until  that  world  of  glory 

Spans  all  the  gloom  of  this  ; 
And  in  the  dawning  splendour 

The  one  Name  only  given 
Claims  every  heart's  surrender, 

And  knits  our  earth  to  heaven. 

Written  at  Delhi,  1880. 


38 


THE  SIXTH  SUNDA  Y 


THE  SIXTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

Lessons  :  Prov.  ix.,  xi. ,  xv. 

Epistle  :   I  John  iii.  I — 9.     Gospel  :  St.  Matt.  xxiv. 

23—32. 

THE    COLLECT. 

0  God,  whose  blessed  Son  was  manifested  that  He 
might  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil,  and  make  us 
the  sons  of  God,  and  heirs  of  eternal  life  ;  Grant 
us,  we  beseech  Thee,  that,  having  this  hope,  we 
may  purify  ourselves,  even  as  He  is  pure  ;  that, 
when  He  shall  appear  again  with  power  and  great 
glory,  we  may  be  made  like  unto  Him  in  His  eternal 
and  glorious  kingdom  ;  where  with  Thee,  O  Father, 
and  Thee,  O  Holy  Ghost,  He  liveth  and  reigneth, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

"  Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed 
upon  us,  that   we  should  be  called   the  sons  of  God." — 

1  John  iii.  1. 

LITANY  TO  THE   ETERNAL   FATHER. 

Uncreated  Fount  of  light, 
Glory  without  shade  of  night, 
Everlasting,  infinite, 

Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Well  of  life  that  ever  flows, 
Life  more  pure  than  stainless  snows, 
Life  in  calm  serene  repose, 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Blessed  One,  whose  name  is  love, 
Pleads  with  Thee  Thy  Son  above  ; 


AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  39 

Broods  o'er  us  Thy  hovering  Dove  ; 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Round  about  Thy  sapphire  throne, 
Shines  the  rainbow's  emerald  zone, 
Breathing  heavenly  peace  alone  : 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

There  before  Thy  mercy-seat 
Saints  in  light  and  angels  meet ; 
Yet  behold  us  at  Thy  feet  : 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Thou,  whose  deep  compassions  yearn 
For  the  prodigal's  return, 
And  his  far-off  steps  discern, 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Aching  hearts  that  long  for  rest, 
Wilder'd  souls  by  doubt  oppress'd, 
Babes  that  crave  a  parent's  breast, — 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

All  have  some  great  gift  to  seek, 
Hungred,  thirsty,  weary,  weak  ; 
All  have  wants  no  words  can  speak, 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Is  not  Thy  paternal  board 
With  all  royal  bounties  stored, 
Priceless,  countless,  unexplored  ? 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Thou,  who  sparedst  not  Thy  Son 
Him  Thine  own,  Thine  only  One, 
Till  Thy  work  by  Him  was  done, 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 


40      SIXTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  EPIPHANY. 


Thou  in  all  His  sorrows  nigh, 
Thou,  who  heardest  His  last  cry, 
Thou,  who  sufferedst  Him  to  die, 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Thou,  omnipotent  to  save 
From  destruction's  whelming  wave, 
Death  and  hell  and  vanquished  grave, 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Thou,  at  whose  right  hand  once  more, 
He  is  now,  His  conflict  o'er, 
Throned  where  He  was  throned  before, 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Thou,  who  crownest  Him  with  grace, 
Foldest  Him  to  Thine  embrace, 
Him  the  brightness  of  Thy  face, 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

All  the  richest  gifts  of  heaven, 
Sevenfold  from  the  Spirits  Seven, 
Measureless  to  Him  are  given  : 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

At  His  word  Thy  Spirit  came 
Crowns  of  light  and  tongues  of  flame  : 
Oh  for  our  Redeemer's  name, 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Grant  us  in  this  holy  hour 
From  His  Bride's  exhaustless  dower 
Light  and  life  and  peace  and  power  : 
Holy  Father,  hear  us. 

Hear  our  cry,  our  voiceless  needs  : 
Hear,  in  us  Thy  Spirit  pleads  : 
W^ay,  for  Jesus  intercedes  : 

Holy  Father,  hear  us.     Amen. 


SEPTUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


4* 


SEPTUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 

Lessons  :  Gen.  i.  and  ii.  ;  Job  xxxviii. ;  Rev.  xxi. 
xxii.  1  —  6. 
Epistle  :   I   Cor.  ix.  24.     Gospel  :  St.  Matt.  xx.  I — 17. 

THE   COLLECT. 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  favourably  to  hear  the 
prayers  of  Thy  people;  that  we,  who  are  justly 
punished  for  our  offences,  may  be  mercifully 
delivered  by  Thy  goodness,  for  the  glory  of  Thy 
Name  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour,  who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

1 '  God  shall  wipe  azuay  all  tears  from  their  eyes;  and  there 
shall  be  no  7nore  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  crying,  neither 
shall  there  be  any  more  pain  :  for  the  former  things  are 
passed  away." — Rev.  xxi.  4. 

There  shall  be  no  more  death, 

In  that  bright  world  of  day 
Driven  by  the  Spirit's  mighty  breath 

Eternally  away  : 

Within  those  city  walls 

The  ransom'd  walk  in  white, 
And  death's  cold  shadow  never  falls 

On  their  glad  home  of  light. 

There  shall  be  no  more  grief 

Nor  cry  of  sore  distress  ; 
The  last  sad  fading  of  the  leaf 

Was  in  the  wilderness  : 

The  springs  of  grief  are  dried  ; 

All  fountains  run  with  joy, 
And  swell  the  calm  transparent  tide 

Of  heaven's  serene  employ. 


42  SEPTUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


There  shall  be  no  more  pain, 

No  weary  feet  or  hands, 
No  careworn  brow,  no  wilder'd  brain, 

No  counting  the  last  sands. 

A  body  like  the  Lord's, 

A  crystal  mind  like  His, 
A  spirit  tuned  to  sweep  the  chords 

Of  undeclining  bliss. 

O  blessed  home  of  love, 

Secure  from  storm  and  strife  ; 
The  haunt  of  the  Eternal  Dove, 

The  fatherland  of  life  ! 

My  spirit  thither  flies  ; 

And  surely  it  is  well 
With  Jesus  thus  in  Paradise 

A  little  while  to  dwell. 


SEXAGESIMA  SUNDAY.  43 


SEXAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 

Lessons  :  Gen.  iii.,  vi.,  viii. 
Epistle  :  2  Cor.  xi.  19—32.    Gospel  :  St.  Luke  viii.  4 — 16. 

THE   COLLECT. 

O  Lord  God,  who  seest  that  we  put  not  our  trust 
in  any  thing  that  we  do ;  Mercifully  grant  that 
by  Thy  power  we  may  be  defended  against  all 
adversity  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  Unto  you  it  is  given  to  know  the  mysteries  of  the  king- 
dom of God."—  St,  Luke  viii.  10. 

O  fathomless  profound  of  rest, 
In  God  to  read  a  Father's  name  ; 

And  childlike  clinging  to  His  breast 
My  birthright  in  His  love  to  claim  ! 

O  miracle  of  grace  to  kneel 

With  boldness  at  the  Throne  of  thrones  ; 
Blood-wash/d,  with  nothing  to  conceal  ; 

White-robed  amid  God's  ransonvd  ones  ! 

O  mystery  of  love  divine  ! 

Eternal  Spirit,  dost  Thou  choose 
To  make  my  lowly  heart  Thy  shrine 

And  there  Thy  light  of  life  diffuse  ? 

And  am  I  of  the  chosen  Bride 
Given  by  the  Father  to  the  Son, 

In  all  His  glory  glorified. 

And  in  His  perfect  union  one  ? 

O  love  which  only  love  can  know  ! 

O  joy  which  only  faith  can  share  ! — 
A  child  of  God  at  school  below  ; 

A  child  at  home  for  ever  there. 


44  QUINQUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 

QUINQUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 

Lessons  :  Gen.  ix.  I — 20,  xii.,  xiii. 
Fpistle  :  I  Cor.  xiii.  1.     Gospel  :  St.  Luke  xviii.  31. 

THE  COLLECT. 

O  LORD,  who  hast  taught  us  that  all  our  doings 
without  charity  are  nothing  worth  ;  Send  Thy  Holy 
Ghost,  and  pour  into  our  hearts  that  most  excellent 
gift  of  charity,  the  very  bond  of  peace  and  of  all 
virtues,  without  which  whosoever  liveth  is  counted 
dead  before  Thee  :  Grant  this  for  Thine  only  Son 
Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

"  Though  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of 'men  and  of  angels, 
and  have  not  charity,  I  am  become  as  sounding  brass,  or  a 
tinkling  cymbal."" — I  Cor.  xiii.  I. 

The  air  of  heaven,  the  changeful  breeze 
That  stirs  the  life  of  land  and  seas, 
The  crystal  of  the  sunlit  sky, 
The  world  of  cloudland  scenery, 
The  stars  that  tell  us  more  by  night 
Than  all  the  blazonry  of  light, 
The  snows  and  rills,  the  dews  and  showers, 
That  ripen  countless  fruits  and  flowers  — 
Of  all  things  nature  deems  her  best, 

Of  all  things  earth  receives  from  heaven, 
The  largest  and  the  loveliest 

Are  freest  and  most  freely  given. 

The  choicest  links  of  human  life, 
The  unison  of  man  and  wife, 
A  father's  tender  thoughtfulness, 
A  mother's  matchless  power  to  bless. 
The  love  of  parent  and  of  child 
Which  makes  an  Eden  of  a  wild, 


QUINQUAGESIMA  SUNDAY.  45 

Brothers  and  sisters  trusted  in, 

Hearts  reaching  forth  to  kith  and  kin  ; — 

These  are  no  narrow  gifts  that  come 

To  very  few,  or  great  or  small  : 
Nay,  man  himself  was  made  for  home, 

And  home  was  made  for  one  and  all. 

And  shall  not  He,  whose  open  Hand 
Pours  wealth  on  ocean  and  on  land  ; 
He,  whose  compassion  intertwined 
The  thousand  bonds  that  knit  mankind  ; 
He  who  Himself  is  Father,  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One  ; 
And  fornvd  us  with  His  grace  endued 
To  image  His  similitude  ; — 
Shall  He  not  give  us,  freely  give 

The  gift  that  cometh  from  above, 
The  love  that  makes  it  life  to  live  ? 

He  will,  He  will ;  for  God  is  Love. 

Not  only  love  to  loving  men 
And  gifts  to  those  who  give  again  : 
There  are  who  speak  with  angel  tongues, 
There  are  who  sing  seraphic  songs, 
Who  with  illuminated  eyes 
Interpret  heavenly  mysteries, 
Who  pluck  up  mountains  by  their  faith, 
And  dare  to  die  a  martyr's  death, — 
And  yet  to  His  all-searching  gaze, 

That  sees  as  man  can  never  see, 
Whose  glory  is  but  empty  praise, 

Because  they  have  not  charity. 

O  Thou,  Eternal  Love  Divine, 
Pour  love  into  this  heart  of  mine, 


46  QUINQUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 

That  Christlike  love  which  suffers  long 
The  injuries  of  wrath  and  wrong, 
Which  envies  not  this  vain  world's  pride, 
But  turns  to  lowliest  tasks  aside, 
Content  to  bear  her  daily  load 
Beneath  the  secret  eye  of  God. 
Enough,  dear  Lord  :  love  cannot  fail, 

Though  darkly  all  things  here  are  known, 
But  this  we  know,  within  the  veil 

Who  truly  love  shall  share  Thy  throne. 


ASH  WEDNESDA  Y.  47 


ASH  WEDNESDAY. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  lviii.  1 — 13  ;  Jonah  iii.  ;  St.  Mark  ii. 

13  —  23;  Heb.  xii.  3 — 18. 

For  the  Epistle  :    Joel  ii.   12—18.      Gospel  :    St.  Matt. 

Vi.  16—22. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hatest  nothing 
that  Thou  hast  made,  and  dost  forgive  the  sins 
of  all  them  that  are  penitent ;  Create  and  make  in 
us  new  and  contrite  hearts,  that  we  worthily  lament- 
ing our  sins,  and  acknowledging  our  wretchedness, 
may  obtain  of  Thee,  the  God  of  all  mercy,  perfect 
remission  and  forgiveness  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  Have  mercy  upon  me,  0  God,  after  Thy  great  good- 
ness ;  according  to  the  multitude  of  Thy  mercies  do  away 
mine  offences. u — Psalm  li.  I.     Co?n?nination  Service. 

"  Jesu,  Jesu,  miserere  ; 

Hear  my  cry  to  Thee." 
Come,  thou  fainting  one  and  weary, 

Come  to  Me. 
"  Sin  and  shame  my  heart  benumbing, 

Shall  I  gain  Thy  feet  ? " 
Shrinking,  trembling,  hardly  coming, 

Thee  I  meet. 
u  Jesu,  Jesu,  miserere  ; 

Save  me,  or  I  die." 
Hearken,  in  the  darkness  dreary, 

It  is  I. 
"  Clothed  in  rags  and  miry  raiment 

Dare  I  see  Thy  face  ? 5' 
Blood-bought,  free,  and  without  payment 
Is  My  grace. 


48  ASH  WEDNESDA  Y. 

"  Jesu,  Jesu,  miserere  ; 

Hush  my  soul's  unrest." 
Lay  thee,  travel- worn  and  weary, 
On  My  breast. 

"  Jesu,  come,  come  quickly  to  me, 

Only  make  me  Thine.5' 
I  am  here  :  thy  anguish  drew  Me, 
Thou  art  Mine. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT.  49 

THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT. 

Lessons  :  Gen.  xix.  12 — 30,  xxii.  1 — 20,  xxiii. 

Epistle  :  2  Cor.  vi.  1 — 11.     Gospel  :  St.  Matt.  iv.  1  — 12. 

THE  COLLECT. 
0  Lord,  who  for  our  sake  didst  fast  forty  days  and 
forty  nights  ;  Give  us  grace  to  use  such  abstinence, 
that,  our  flesh  being  subdued  to  the  Spirit,  we  may 
ever  obey  Thy  godly  motions  in  righteousness,  and 
true  holiness,  to  Thy  honour  and  glory,  who  livest 
and  reignest  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

"Sarah  died,  .  .  .  and  Abraham  came  to  mourn  and 
weep  for  her,  .  .  saying,  I  am  a  stranger  and  a  sojourner." 
— Gen.  xxiii.  2 — 4. 

"  Ye  shall  leave  Ale  alone,  and  yet  I  am  not  alone,  for 
the  Father  is  with  Me" — St.  John  xvi.  32. 

Alone, — it  must  be  so  : 
Break  heart,  or  disentwine. 

The  Master  calls  me  and  I  go  ;— 
Rest  mine  and  labour  thine. 

Alone  at  break  of  day  ; 
I  am  not  by  thy  side  : 
The  sunny  sky  is  leaden  grey. 
The  wide  world  waste  as  wide. 

Alone  in  life's  long  toil  ; 
I  cannot  share  thy  prayers, 
Xor  lighten  by  the  faintest  smile 
Thy  daily  load  of  cares, 

Alone  when  night  steals  soft 
Over  the  weary  soul, 
And  thoughts  of  heart  communion  oft 
Crowd  in  beyond  control. 


50 


THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT. 


Say  is  the  child  alone 
Whose  hand  the  Father  holds  ; 
Or  whom  unseen  but  not  unknown 
The  Friend  of  friends  enfolds  ? 

And  still  in  calm  or  storm, 
In  throngs  or  desert  rude, 
Beside  thee  moves  His  radiant  Form 
Is  this  thy  solitude  ? 


At  daybreak  He  is  there 
With  healing  in  His  wings, 
And  in  the  quiet  midnight  air 
The  balm  of  Gilead  brings. 

He  calls  me  to  His  throne  ; 
I  go  with  Him  to  be  : 
And  lonely  thou  art  not  alone, 
While  He  abides  with  thee. 


THE  SECOND  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT.         5 1 


THE  SECOND  SUNDA  V  IN  LENT. 

Lessons  :  Gen.  xxvii.  I— 41,  xxviii.,  xxxii. 
Epistle  :  I  Thess.  iv.  1 — 9.    Gospel  :  St.  Matt.  xv.  21 — 29. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  seest  that  we  have  no  power 
of  ourselves  to  help  ourselves  ;  Keep  us  both  out- 
wardly in  our  bodies,  and  inwardly  in  our  souls  ; 
that  we  may  be  defended  from  all  adversities  which 
may  happen  to  the  body,  and  from  all  evil  thoughts 
which  may  assault  and  hurt  the  soul  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  And  he  dreamed,  and,  behold,  a  ladder  set  tip  on  the 
earth,  and  the  top  of  it  reached  to  heaven  ;  and,  behold,  the 
angels  of  God  ascending  and  descending  on  it." — Gen. 
xxviii.  12. 

Weary,  worn,  and  lonely, 
With  my  rude  staff  only, 
Through  the  desert  thorny 
Went  I  on  my  journey. 

But  night  fell,  and  danger 
Compass'd  me  a  stranger  : 
So  to  sleep  I  laid  me, 
Kept  by  Him  who  made  me. 

Then  Heaven's  gate  unfolding, 
I  with  awe  beholding, 
Open'd  scenes  of  glory 
Passing  human  story. 
Lo,  in  tiers  unending 
Steps  of  light  ascending, 
Trodden  by  the  angels 
On  their  glad  evangels  ; 
E  2 


52 


THE  SECOND  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT. 


And  above,  in  vision 
Of  supreme  fruition, 
Saw,  or  heard  I  rather, 
God,  my  God  and  Father, 

Saying,  u  Child,  I  love  thee  ; 
Loving,  I  will  prove  thee  ; 
But  will  leave  thee  never  : 
Thou  art  Mine  for  ever." 

So  I  woke  ;  and  morning 
Was  the  east  adorning, 
And  that  spot  most  lowly 
Seem'd  a  temple  holy. 

Henceforth  true  and  tender 
Be  my  heart's  surrender; 
With  His  Presence  o'er  me, 
Be  what  may  before  me. 

Be  the  pathway  dreary, 
Be  my  footsteps  weary, 
Be  no  friend  assistant, 
Be  my  bourn  far  distant; 

Raiment,  bread  provided, 
Home  to  glory  guided, 
With  my  Father  only, 
I  no  more  am  lonely. 


THE  THIRD  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT.  53 


THE  THIRD  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT. 

Lessons  :  Gen.  xxxvii.,  xxxix.,  xl. 
Epistle  :   Eph.  v.  1—  15.     Gospel  :  St.  Luke  xi.  14—29. 

THE   COLLECT. 

We  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God,  look  upon  the 
hearty  desires  of  Thy  humble  servants,  and  stretch 
forth  the  right  hand  of  Thy  Majesty,  to  be  our 
defence  against  all  our  enemies  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     A?7ie?t. 

"Christ  hath  given  Himself  for  us   an   offering  and  a 
sacrifice  to  God  for  a  sweet- smelling  savour"—  Ephes.  v.  2. 
"  I  delight  to  do  Thy  will,  0  my  God:'—  Psalm  xl.  8. 

Was  ever  infant's  joy,  embraced,  caress'd, 
So  pure,  so  holy,  so  in  blessing  bless'd, 
As  Mine,  when  hanging  on  My  Mother's  breast? 
Was  ever  joy  like  Aline  ? l 

Ah,  childhood  has  its  dreams  of  sweet  delight, 
Smiles  all  its  own,  and  fountains  crystal  bright  ; 
But  in  My  Father's  pleasure  day  and  night 
Was  ever  joy  like  Mine? 

The  men  of  grace  wring  comfort  from  the  curse 
Of  labour,  knowing  "  idleness  were  worse  ; ;;  2 
But  none  save  Me  its  sentence  could  reverse  : 
Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 

1  The  thought  of  tracing  in    our  Lord's  ministry  the  obverse  of 
George  Herbert's  pcem  entitled,  "  Was  ever  grief  like  mine  ?  "  was 
first  suggested  to  me  by  the  lines  of  another  writer. 
2  "  With  labour  I  must  earn 
My  bread.     What  harm?     Idleness  had  been  worse." 

"Paradise  Lost,"  x.  1055. 


54  THE  THIRD  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT. 

By  Jordan's  ford  I  knelt,  and  lo  above 
A  pathway  cloven  to  the  throne  of  love  : 

0  voice  of  rapture  !  O  most  Holy  Dove! 

Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 

Prayer  fills  the  empty  craving  heart  with  praise  ; 
Prayer  opens  heaven's  gate  to  the  martyr's  gaze  ; 
But  Me  the  Father  hears  and  hears  always  : 
Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 

Blest  souls  who  make  the  word  their  meditation  : 
But  who  can  fathom  all  My  consolation 
When  drinking  from  the  well-springs  of  salvation  ? 
Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 

How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are 

Their  feet  who  tidings  of  God's  peace  declare  ! 

1  bought  with  blood  the  amnesty  I  bear: 

Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 

The  wayward  lamb  is  torn  by  many  a  wound, 
Who  tracks  it  o'er  the  rocky  thorny  ground  ? 
Mankind  were  lost,  I  sought  them  and  I  found  : 
Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 

The  tempest  sank  before  Me  into  calm; 
The  broken  heart  was  heal'd  with  Gilead's  balm; 
The  mourner's  wailing  pass'd  into  a  psalm: 
Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 

The  weary  and  the  heavy-laden  throng'd 
Around  Me,  and  the  wretched  and  the  wrong'd; 
Earth  claim'd  the  gay  ;  to  Me  the  sad  belong'd: 

Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 

Eyes  was  I  to  the  blind,  feet  to  the  lame  : 
Hope  blossom'd  from  despair  where'er  1  came  ; 
Love  wept,  and  weeping  conquer'd  sin  and  shame: 
Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 


THE  THIRD  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT         5 

The  dying  robber  lifts  to  Me  his  eyes, 
And  u  Lord,  remember  me  "  in  anguish  cries, 
And  I,  that  day,  I  promised  Paradise  : 
Was  ever  joy  like  Mine? 

Is  sacrifice  love's  measure  ?     I  alone 
Forsook  My  Father's  glory  and  My  own, 
Sharp  thorns  My  diadem,  the  cross  My  throne 
Was  ever  joy  like  Mine  ? 

O  ransom'd  saints  within  your  home  of  light, 
O  angels  stooping  from  your  glory's  height, 
Bear  witness,  for  ye  read  the  mystery  right, 
Never  was  joy  like  Mine. 


56         THE  FOURTH  SUNDA  Y  IN  LEXT. 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDA  Y  IN  LENT 

Lessons  :  Gen.  xlii. ,  xliii.,  xlv. 
Epistle  :  Gal.  iv.  21.     Gospel :  St.  John  vi.  i  — 15. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God,  that  we, 
who  for  our  evil  deeds  do  worthily  deserve  to  be 
punished,  by  the  comfort  of  Thy  grace  may  merci- 
fully be  relieved  ;  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

"  Jesus  went  over  the  sea  of  Galilee,  which  is  the  sea  of 
Tiberias,  and  a  great  multitude  followed  Him ." — St.  John 
vi.  1,  2. 

Compare  with  this  the  following  verses  in  St   Mark  : — ■ 

"  He  ordained  twelve,  that  they  should  be  with  Him, 
and  that  He  might  send  them  forth  to  preach. 

"  When  they  were  alone,  He  expounded  all  tilings  to  His 
disciples. 

*  And  the  apostles  gathered  themselves  together  unto  Jesus, 
and  told  Him  all  things,  both  what  they  had  done,  and 
what  they  had  taught.  And  He  said  unto  then/,  Come  ye 
yourselves  apart  into  a  desert  place,  and  rest  awhile  :  for 
there  were  many  coming  and  going;  and  they  had  no 
leisure  so  much  as  to  cat."- — St.  Mark  iii.  14,  iv.  34, 
vi.  30,31. 

Come  ye  yourselves  apart  and  rest  awhile, 
Weary,  I  know  it,  of  the  press  and  throng, 

Wipe  from  your  brow  the  sweat  and  dust  of  toil, 
And  in  My  quiet  strength  again  be  strong. 

Come  ye  aside  from  all  the  world  holds  dear 

For  converse  which  the  world  has  never  known, 
Alone  with  Me  and  with  My  Father  here, 

With  Me  and  with  My   Father  not  alone. 


THE  FO  UR  TH  SCTA  DA  Y  IN  LENT.        5  7 


Come,  tell  Me  all  that  ye  have  said  and  done,  - 
Your  victories  and  failures,  hopes  and  fears. 

I  know  how  hardly  souls  are  wooed  and  won  : 
My  choicest  wreaths  are  always  wet  with  tears. 

Come  ye  and  rest  :  the  journey  is  too  great, 
And  ye  will  faint  beside  the  way,  and  sink  : 

The  bread  of  life  is  here  for  you  to  eat, 

And  here  for  you  the  wine  of  love  to  drink. 

Then,  fresh  from  converse  with  your  Lord,  return 
And  work  till  daylight  softens  into  even  : 

The  brief  hours  are  not  lost  in  which  ye  learn 
More  of  your  Master  and  His  rest  in  heaven. 


58 


THE  FIFTH  SUN  DA  Y  IN  LENT 


THE  FIFTH  SUN  DA  V  IN  LENT. 

Lessons  :  Exod.  iii.,  v.,  vi.  I — 14. 
Epistle:  Heb.  ix.  11 — 16.     Gospel:  St.  John  viii.  46. 

THE   COLLECT. 

We  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God,  mercifully  to  look 
upon  Thy  people  ;  that  by  Thy  great  goodness  they 
may  be  governed  and  preserved  evermore,  both  in 
bodyandsoul;  throughjesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

"And  God  said  unto  Moses,  I  AM  THAT  I  AM: 
and  He  said,  Thus  shall  thou  say  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  I  AM  hath  sent  vie  unto  you.'" — Exod.  iii.  14. 

44  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  u7ito  you, 
Before  Abraham  was,  I  AM." — St.  John  viii.  58. 

A  cry  of  anguish  from  the  banks  of  Nile 
Of  mothers  weeping  for  their  little  ones, 

Of  fathers  groaning  in  their  cruel  toil, 

Of  daughters    scourged,    of   wrathful  trampled 
sons, — 

One  bitter  cry  of  bosoms  torn  and  riven 

Arises  day  and  night  to  patient  heaven. 

What  power  shall  mantle  God's  ambassador, 
And  trouble  Pharaoh  in  his  idol  feasts, 

Lead  Israel  forth  to  Canaan's  promised  shore, 
And  make  of  slaves  a  royalty  of  priests  ? 

One  only  Name,  the  God  of  Abraham, 

I  AM  hath  sent  thee  :  I  AM  that  I  AM. 

Long  ages  pass'd.     A  darker  cloud  o'erhangs 
From  pole  to  pole  the  universal  earth ; 

And  Zion,  wrestling  in  her  weary  pangs, 

Bewails  with  tears  and  groans  the  hour  of  birth; 

And  yet  a  bitterer  cry  ascends  to  God, 

il  Woe  for  the  chosen  people  :  Ichabod." 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDA  Y  IN  LEX  J.  59 


Say,  who  is  this  in  man's  extremest  hour, 

Who  comes  to  ransom  man  from  sin  and  grave  ? 

This  veiled  Glory,  travelling  in  power 
And  mighty  in  humility  to  save  ? 

The  Light  of  Light,  foreseen  by  Abraham, 

Or  ever  Abraham  was  born,  I  AM. 

Ages  once  more  have  pass'd  away  like  dreams, 
And  now  Creation  waits  the  end  of  things  ; 

But  far  and  near  o'er  all  the  world  what  seems 
Darkens  what  is  with  vain  imaginings  ; 

And  men  are  chasing  shadows  from  their  youth 

And  grasping  unsubstantial  mists  for  truth. 

What  is  that  only  Name  of  power  to  drive 
The  phantoms  of  deceitful  night  away, 

That  dying  man  may  save  his  soul  alive, 

And  stand  God's  freeman  in  the  light  of  day  ? 

Hark,  on  the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb ' 

The  name  from  everlasting  is  I  AM. 


60  THE  SUNDA  Y  NEXT 


THE  SUNDAY  NEXT  BEFORE  EASTER. 

Lessons  :  Exod.  ix.,  x.,  xi. ;  St.  Matt.  xxvi. ;  St.  Luke  xix. 

28—48,  xx.  9—21. 
Epistle  :  Phil.  ii.  5—12.    Gospel  :  St.  Matt,  xxvii.  1—55. 

THE    COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who,  of  Thy  tender 
love  towards  mankind,  hast  sent  Thy  Son.  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  take  upon  Him  our  flesh, 
and  to  suffer  death  upon  the  cross,  that  all  mankind 
should  follow  the  example  of  His  great  humility  ; 
Mercifully  grant,  that  we  may  both  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  His  patience,  and  also  be  made  partakers 
of  His  resurrection  ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  And  when  lie  was  come  nighy  even  now  at  the  descent 
of  the  mount  of  Olives,  the  whole  multitude  of  the  disciples 
began  to  rejoice  a nd  / raise  God  with  a  loud  voice  for  all 
the  mighty  works  that  they  had  seen ;  saying.  Blessed  be 
the  King  that  com eth  in  the  name  of  t lie  Lord :  peace  in 
heaven,  and  glory  in  the  highest." — St.  Luke  xix.  37,  38. 

What  are  these  with  palm  and  song 
Round  the  Saviour's  feet  who  throng? 
Wherefore  is  that  mountain  road 
With  their  festal  garments  strow'd  ? 
Parents,  children,  welcoming 
Zion's  Son  and  Zion's  King, 
Shouts  of  glad   Hosannas  raise 
With  their  love  to  crown  His  praise. 

Lo,  upon  a  holier  mount, 
Multitudes  no  tongue  can  count, 
With  celestial  harpings  chant 
Hallelujahs  jubilant. 


BEFORE  EASTER. 


61 


Hark,  their  everlasting  song 
Through  the  ages  rolls  along  ; 
Glory  won  and  sin  forgiven, 
Theirs  the  perfect  bliss  of  heaven. 

Blessed  Jesu,  grant  that  we 
Here  may  serve  and  worship  Thee 
Loveliness  and  love  Thou  art, 
Write  Thy  name  upon  our  heart  ; 
Help  us  gladly,  Lord,  to  bring 
Costliest  gift  and  offering 
To  the  footstool  of  Thy  throne, 
Thine  ourselves  and  Thine  alone. 

Jesu,  Thou  wilt  come  again 
Not  to  suffer,  but  to  reign  : 
May  we  Thee  with  rapture  meet ; 
Fall  adoring  at  Thy  feet ; 
With  Thy  saints  and  angels  rise 
To  our  mansions  in  the  skies, 
Hallelujahs  there  to  Thee 
Singing  through  eternitv. 


"t 


62 


THE  MONDAY  BEFORE  EASTER, 


THE  MONDAY  BEFORE  EASTER. 


Lessons  :  Lam.  i.  I — 15,  ii.  13  ;  St.  John  xiv. 
For  the  Epistle  :  Isa.  lxiii.      Gospel  :  St.  Mark  xiv. 

t(  And  He  sendeth  forth  two  of  His  disciples,  and  saith 
unto  them,  Go  ye  into  the  city,  and  there  shall  meet  yon  a 
man  bearing  a  pitcher  of  water :  follcnv  him  ;  and  where- 
soever he  shall  go  in,  say  ye  to  the  good  man  of  the  house, 
The  Master  saith,  Where  is  the  guest-chamber,  where  I  shall 
eat  the  passoverwith  My  disciples!"" — St.  Mark  xiv.  13,  14. 

'Twas  spoken  long  ago  and  far  away; 

But,  hark  !   it  vibrates  in  our  hearts  to-day, 

That  word  of  Jesus  Christ  of  Nazareth  : 

That  strange  persuasive  word,  "  The  Master  saith.'3 

As  once  beside  the  lake  of  Galilee 

He  passes  by  and  whispers,  "  Follow  Me;" 

Seems  it  to  many  but  an  idle  breath  ? 

There  are  who  answer,  "  'Tis  the  Master  saith." 

What  is  it  that  He  asks  ?     Thy  soul,  thy  heart, 
Yea,  brother,  all  thou  hast  and  all  thou  art  : 
He  claims  it  for  His  own,  in  life  and  death, 
And  after  death  for  ever  so  He  saith. 

Thou  wilt  not  say  Him  nay  ;  but  can  it  be 
He  asks  some  dearer  than  thyself  of  thee  ? 
One  word  the  costly  offering  halloweth. 
One  only — 'tis  enough — the  Master  saith. 

Wait  but  a  little  while,  of  thee  and  them 
The  Lord  hath  need  in  His  Jerusalem. 
Press  on  :  who  in  His  footsteps  followeth 
Shall  know  in  glory  all  the  Master  saith. 


THE  TUESDA  Y  BEFORE  EASTER. 


63 


THE  TUESDA  Y  BEFORE  EASTER. 

Lessons  :  Lam.  iii.;  St.  John  xv. 
For  the  Epistle:  Isa.  i.  5.     Gospel  :   St.  Mark  xv.  1 — 40. 

*  *  For  the  Lord  God  will  help  me,  therefore  shall  I  not  be 
confounded. 

1  *  Who  is  a?nong you  that  feareth  the  Lord,  and  oheyeth 
the  voice  of  His  servant,  that  walketh  in  darkness,  and 
hath  no  light?  let  him  trust  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and 
stay  upon  his  God." — Isaiah  1.  7,  10. 

"  And  now  is  My  soul  troubled.'5     Can  it  be  ? 

O  speak  the  word  again,  and  yet  again. 

Thy  soul,  O  holy  Saviour,  troubled  ?    Peace, 

Be  comforted,  my  weak  and  weary  heart  : 

There  is  a  deep  unfathomable  rest 

In  that  low  moan  of  anguish.     Was  Thy  soul, 

O  Jesu,  troubled,  tempest-tost,  like  mine  ? — 

Troubled  ? — Thy  faith  held  fast  her  anchor-hold 

Upon  the  Rock  of  everlasting  strength  : 

For  Thee  the  light  of  coming  glory  shone 

Beyond  all  clouds,  that  wrapp'd  the  vale  of  death  : 

It  was  Thy  daily  meat  and  drink  to  do 

Thy  Father's  will,  which  in  Thy  secret  breast 

Was  ever  springing  up  a  well  of  life, 

The  world  new  nothing  of.     And  yet  Thy  soul 

Was  troubled. 

Trouble  then  was  uppermost, 
Not  joy,  not  peace,  but  trouble  and  unrest, 
What  time  these  holy  words  dropp'dfrom  Thy  lips; 
There  was  no  stain  of  sin  in  them,  no  film 
Of  evil ;  only  grief,  deep  sinless  grief, 
As  when  a  tempest  scourges  into  waves 
A  calm  and  crystal  lake. 


64    THE  TUESDA  Y  BEFORE  EASTER. 

Oh,  peace,  my  heart  : 
It  is  not  sin  to  feel  the  bitterness 
Of  sorrow,  nor  to  tremble,  as  the  storm 
Rocks  the  foundations  of  our  little  all  ; 
It  is  not  sin  to  weep,  and  make  our  moan. 
Nay,  for  this  human  suffering  Jesus  felt, 
And  wept,  and  shudder'd  and  confess'd  His  woe  ; 
Though  almost  in  the  self-same  breath  of  prayer 
He  pleaded,  "  Father,  glorify  Thy  name," 
And  meekly  bow'd  His  head  to  bear  the  cross. 
I  thank  Thee,  Lord,  for  these  Thy  words  of  grief ; 
I  thank  Thee  more  for  Thy  victorious  love  ; 
So  teach  me  at  Thy  feet  to  kneel  and  learn, 
Until  my  feeble  prayer  re-echoes  Thine, 
"  Father,  Thy  will,  not  mine,  Thy  will  be  done." 


THE   WEDNESDA  Y  BEFORE  EASTER.     65 


THE  WEDNESDA  Y  BEFORE  EASTER. 

Lessons  :  Lam.  iv.  I  — 21  ;  Dan.  ix.  20;  St.  John  xvi. 
Epistle  :  Heb.  ix.  16.     Gospel  :  St.  Luke  xxii. 

"  TTiis  do  in  remembrance  of  Me" — St.  Luke  xxii.  19. 

0  Master  of  the  human  heart, 
Emmanuel,  one  with  us  Thou  art  ; 
But  never  closer  to  our  breast 
Than  in  Thy  tender  last  behest, 
"Child  of  My  love,  hear  thou  My  plea, 
Do  this  in  memory  of  Me." 

Dark  is  the  veil  that  hangs  between 
Our  mortal  eye  and  things  unseen  ; 
But  in  these  pledges  of  Thy  grace 
By  faith  we  see  Thee  face  to  face, 
And  hear  Thy  accents  in  the  plea, 
"  Do  this  in  memory  of  Me." 

The  golden  links  which  brethren  bind 
Are  strain'd  too  soon,  too  oft  untwined, 
But  in  this  feast  Thy  children  meet 
Around  One  Fathers  mercy-seat, 
All  hearts  responsive  to  one  plea, 
"  Do  this  in  memory  of  Me.'' 

O  blessed  banquet  of  delight  ! 

O  daybreak  of  the  pilgrim's  night ! 

The  banner  over  us  is  love, 

While  steals  in  music  from  above, 

The  Bridegroom's  strong  persistent  plea, 

"Do  this  in  memory  of  Me." 


66      THE  THURSDA  Y  BEFORE  EASTER. 


THE  THURSDAY  BEFORE  EASTER. 

Lessons  :  Hosea  xiii.  i  — 15,  xiv. ;  St.  John  xvii.,  xiii. 

1-36. 

Epistle  :  I  Cor.  xi.  17.     Gospel  :  St.  Luke  xxiii.  1 — 50. 

"  As  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do 
show  forth  the  Lord's  death  till  He  cofJieT — 1  Cor.  xi.  26. 

Till  He  come — Oh,  let  the  words 
Linger  on  the  trembling  chords  ; 
Let  the  little  while  between 
In  their  golden  light  be  seen  ; 
Let  us  think  how  heaven  and  home 
Lie  beyond  that  "  Till  He  come." 

When  the  weary  ones  we  love 
Enter  on  their  rest  above, 
Seems  the  earth  so  poor  and  vast, 
All  our  life-joy  overcast  ? 
Hush,  be  every  murmur  dumb  : 
It  is  only  till  He  come. 

Clouds  and  conflicts  round  us  press  : 
Would  we  have  one  sorrow  less  ? 
All  the  sharpness  of  the  cross, 
All  that  tells  the  world  is  loss, 
Death,  and  darkness,  and  the  tomb 
Only  whisper,  "  Till  He  come." 

See  the  feast  of  love  is  spread, 
Drink  the  wine,  and  break  the  bread: 
Sweet  memorials, — till  the  Lord 
Call  us  round  His  heavenly  board  ; 
Some  from  earth,  from  glory  some, 
Scver'd  only  till  Hecotne. 


GOOD  FRIDA  Y. 


67 


GOOD  FRIDA  Y. 

Lessons  :  Gen.  xxii.  I — 20  ;  Isaiah  lii.  v.  13  and  liii. ; 

St.  John  xviii.  ;    I  Peter  ii. 

Epistle  :  Heb.  x.  1—26.     Gospel  :  St.  John  xix.  1 — 38. 

THE   COLLECTS. 

Almighty  God,  we  beseech  Thee  graciously 
to  behold  this  Thy  family,  for  which  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  was  contented  to  be  betrayed,  and 
given  up  into  the  hands  of  wicked  men,  and  to 
suffer  death  upon  the  cross,  who  now  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  by  whose  Spirit 
the  whole  body  of  the  Church  is  governed  and 
sanctified  ;  Receive  our  supplications  and  prayers, 
which  we  offer  before  Thee  for  all  estates  of  men  in 
Thy  holy  Church,  that  every  member  of  the  same, 
in  his  vocation  and  ministry,  may  truly  and  godly 
serve  Thee  ;  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

O  MERCIFUL  God,  who  hast  made  all  men,  and 
hatest  nothing  that  Thou  hast  made,  nor  wouldest 
the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he  should  be 
converted  and  live  ;  Have  mercy  upon  all  Jews, 
Turks,  Infidels,  and  Heretics,  and  take  from  them 
all  ignorance,  hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt  of 
Thy  Word  ;  and  so  fetch  them  home,  blessed  Lord, 
to  Thy  flock,  that  they  may  be  saved  among  the 
remnant  of  the  true  Israelites,  and  be  made  one 
fold  under  one  shepherd,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 
F  2 


68  GOOD  FRIDA  Y. 


THE   PASSION    OF  JESUS. 

"  They  shall  look  on  Him  whom  they  pierced. ' 
St.  John  xix.  37. 

The  Garden. 

Wrestling  in  agony, 

Wrestling  alone  ; 
Weary  for  human  love, 

Finding  none. 

While  over  Olivet 

Sleeps  the  moon-light, 
Whose  is  that  broken  prayer 

Troubling  night  ? 

What  are  those  drops  of  blood 

Falling  like  rain, 
Wrung  from  that  heart  of  Thine 

Man  of  pain  ? 

Anguish  unspeakable 

Writ  on  Thy  brow, — 
Suppliant  Sufferer, 

Who  art  Thou  ? 

The  Way  of  Sorrows. 

Hark,  in  thy  bosom's  depths 

Speaks  He  to  thee, 
"  Child  of  My  dying  love, 

Follow  Me. 

"  Shall  I  not  drink  the  cup 

My  Father  gave  ? — 
Drink  it,  when  drinking  it 

Thee  will  save  ? 


GOOD  FRIDAY. 


69 


"  Buffeted,  spitted  on, 

Loaded  with  scorns, 
Smitten,  scourged,  purple-robed, 

Crown'd  with  thorns  : 


"  Onward  to  Golgotha  ; 

There  I  must  die  ; 
All  for  the  love  of  thee  : 

It  is  I." 


The  Seven  Words  upon  the  Cross. 

NaiPd  to  the  bitter  wood  ; 

Never  a  groan  : 
Bearing  our  guilt  and  sin, 

Not  His  owrn. 

Sun  of  my  soul,  canst  Thou 

Suffer  eclipse  ? 
What  words  are  those  from  Thy 

Quivering  lips  ? 

u  Father,  forgive  them "  the 

Crucified  prays  : 
And  Him  the  Father  hears, 

Hears  always. 

Listen,  the  dying  thief 

For  mercy  sighs  : — 
Calmly  He  promises 

Paradise. 

Two  from  His  pierced  feet 

Cannot  depart — 
Listen,  He  speaks  and  knits 

Heart  to  heart. 


70  GOOD  FRIDA  V. 

Darkness  wraps  earth  and  sky  : 

Night  at  midday  : 
Moments  like  centuries 

Pass  away. 

Hark,  through  the  gloom  is  heard 

One  dreadful  cry, 
"  Thou  hast  forsaken  Me, 

Father,  why  ? '} 

Oh  that  abandonment  ! 

Oh  death  accursed  ! 
What  means  that  plaint  of  woe, 

That  "  I  thirst "  ? 

Hark,  "  It  is  finish'd."     Thy 

Warfare  is  done  ; 
Death  and  hell  grappled  with  ; 

Victory  won. 

"  Father,  I  breathe  to  Thee 
That  Thou  hast  given." 

Now  is  there  peace  betwixt 
Earth  and  heaven. 


The  Appeal. 

"  Child  of  My  agonies, 
Bought  with  My  blood, 

Ransom'd  from  Satan's  thrall, 
Saved  for  God  ; 

"  Come  to  Me,  weary  one, 
Come  to  My  breast  : 

Here  in  My  bleeding  wounds 
J  lulc  and  rest. 


GOOD  FRIDA  Y. 


7i 


"  Come  to  My  Father's  feet, 
Come  without  fear: — 

I  am  thy  Advocate, 
Always  near. 

"  Drink  of  the  Spirit's  grace, 
All  things  are  thine  : 

I  am  thy  heritage, 
Thou  art  Mine." 


The  Response. 

a  Yea,  Lord,  I  give  myself 

Wholly  to  Thee  : 
Only  Thy  priceless  love 

Give  Thou  me. 

All  I  have,  all  I  am, 

Body  and  soul, 
Nothing  refuse  I  Thee  ; 

Take  the  whole. 

Only  abide  with  me, 

Lord,  to  the  end  ; 
Jesus,  Emmanuel, 

Saviour,  Friend. 

And  when  Thy  time  is  come, 

Let  me  adore 
Thee  in  Thy  home  of  light 

Evermore. 


72  EASTER  EVEN. 


EASTER  EVEN. 

Lessons  :  Zech.  ix.;  Hosea  v.  8  to  vi.  4 ;  Luke  xxiii.  50 ; 

Rom  vi.  1 — 14. 

Epistle  :  1  Peter  iii.  Gospel  :  St.  Matt,  xxvii.  57. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  as  we  are  baptized  into  the 
death  of  Thy  blessed  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ, 
so  by  continual  mortifying  our  corrupt  affections 
we  may  be  buried  with  Him  ;  and  that  through 
the  grave  and  gate  of  death,  we  may  pass  to  our 
joyful  resurrection  ;  for  His  merits,  who  died,  and 
was  buried,  and  rose  again  for  us,  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

u  And  when  Joseph  had  taken  the  body,  he  wrapped  it 
in  a  clean  linen  cloth,  and  laid  it  in  his  own  new  tomb 
which  he  had  hewn  out  in  the  rocky — St.  Matt,  xxvii. 
59,  60. 

"  There  laid  they  Jesus. ." — St.  John  xix.  42. 

And  was  it  Jesus  Christ  Himself  they  laid 
Upon  the  rocky  floor  of  Joseph's  tomb  ? 

O  speak  the  words  again  ;  for,  softly  said, 

Methinks  they  lighten  many  a  mourner's  gloom. 

There  laid  they  Jesus.     Yet  before  He  died, 
In  answer  to  the  prayer,  Remember  me, 

Assured  He  not  the  felon  by  His  side 
That  day  in  Paradise  with  Him  to  be  ? 

There  laid  they  Jesus.     Yet  His  parting  breath 
Into  His  Fathers  hands  His  spirit  gave. 

Was  He  not  with  His  Father  after  death, 
His  tabernacle  only  in  the  grave? 


EASTER  EVEN.  73 

And  are  there  not  mysterious  words,  which  tell 
That  dying  He  the  lord  of  death  destroyed  ; 

And  stripp'd  the  spoils  from  vanquished  powers  of 
hell, 
Before  He  pass'd  to  Hades'  awful  void  ? 

And  how,  when  foughten  was  and  won  that  strife, 
He,  quicken'd  in  His  human  spirit,  trod 

The  prison  of  that  under- world  of  life, 
And  there  proclaim'd  the  victory  of  God  ? 

Was  not  that  Jesus  ?     Wherefore  read  we  then 
That  they  laid  Jesus  in  the  sepulchre  ? 

O  speak  the  words  again  and  yet  again 

To  one  who  loves  like  Mary,  weeps  like  her. 

This  body  in  the  tomb  is  Jesus  too  ; 

Those  eyes  now  closed  in  death  are  Jesus'  eyes  ; 
Those  hands  were  wont  His  gracious  works  to  do  ; 

Those  lips  now  seal'd  have  bidden  dead  men  rise. 

Are  not  those  blessed  feet,  dear  Master,  Thine, 
So  often  wearied  in  the  rough  world's  ways  ? 

Throbb'd  not  that  human  heart  with  love  Divine 
For  wanderers  lost  in  sin's  entangling  maze  ? 

And  is  that  holy  body  now  the  spoil 

Of  Satan  and  the  prey  of  death  and  hell  ? 

Let  not  the  wrongful  thought  our  faith  assoil  : 
It  is  the  body  of  Emmanuel. 

So  we  may  cherish  all  the  thoughts  that  cling 
Around  the  sacred  dust  of  those  we  love  : 

The  ruin'd  temple  is  a  holy  thing 

And  shall  be  built  anew  in  heaven  above. 


74  EASTER  DA  Y. 


EASTER  DAY. 

Lessons  :  Exod.  xii.  I — 29,  xii.  29  and  xiv.  ;  Rev.  i. 

10 — 19  ;  St.  John  xx.  11 — 19  ;   Rev.  v. 
Epistle  :  Col.  iii.  1 — 8.     Gospel  :  St.  John  xx.  I — 10. 

THE    COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  through  Thine  only-begotten 
Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  overcome  death,  and  opened 
unto  us  the  gate  of  everlasting  life  ;  We  humbly 
beseech  Thee,  that,  as  by  Thy  special  grace  pre- 
venting us  Thou  dost  put  into  our  minds  good 
desires,  so  by  Thy  continual  help  we  may  bring  the 
same  to  good  effect  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

MORNING    PRAYER. 

u  Jesus  Christ,  .   .  .   the  first-begotten  of the  dead." 
Rev.  i.  5. 

Welcome,  earliest  Eastern  ray  ; 
W7elcome,  golden  dawn  of  day  ; 
Welcome,  cloudless  sun,  to  say, 
Alleluia,  Christ  is  risen. 

Welcome,  warblers  of  the  spring  ; 
Welcome,  every  glancing  wing, 
Welcome,  as  ye  soar  and  sing, 
Alleluia,  Christ  is  risen. 

Welcome,  wreaths  of  leaves  and  flowers 
Gathered  from  earth's  choicest  bowers  ; 
Bloom  that  breathes  a  few  brief  hours, 
Alleluia,  Christ  is  risen. 


EASTER  DA  Y.  75 

Earthly  suns  must  sink  to  rest ; 
Birds  must  seek  their  evening  nest ; 
Flowers  must  droop  when  most  caress'd  : 
Alleluia,  Christ  is  risen. 

He  is  risen,  no  more  to  die : 
Songs  shall  fill  eternity  : 
Sharon's  Rose  shall  bloom  for  aye  : 
Alleluia,  Christ  is  risen. 

EVENING   PRAYER. 

:  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel  that  they  go  forward" 
Exod.  xiv.  15. 

Hark,  brothers,  hark,  "  Go  forward,'5 

The  silver  trumpets  sound  ! 
The  camp  of  Israel  hears  it, 

Tents  are  struck  around. 
What  laggard  heart  refuses 

By  doubt  or  fear  oppress'd  ? 
"  My  Presence  shall  go  with  thee  : 
I  will  give  thee  rest." 

Forward  into  the  desert ! 

Let  no  man's  heart  despond. 
That  desert  waste  and  howling, 

Canaan  lies  beyond. 
Forward,  and  lean  when  weary 

Upon  His  sheltering  breast. 
"  My  Presence  shall  go  with  thee  : 
I  will  give  thee  rest." 

Forward,  although  the  pathway 

Be  hitherto  untrod  ! 
That  rugged  journey  leads  thee 

To  the  home  of  God. 


76  EASTER  DA  Y. 


Forward,  within  His  palace 

To  be  a  welcome  guest ! 
"  My  Presence  shall  go  with  thee: 
I  will  give  thee  rest." 

Forward,  although  the  waters 

Of  Jordan  roll  between, 
And  mists  hang  round  the  confines 

Of  the  things  unseen  ! 
Himself  hath  won  by  dying 

That  kingdom  of  the  blest. 
14  My  Presence  shall  go  with  thee  : 
I  will  give  thee  rest." 


MONDAY  IN  EASTER   WEEK.  77 


MCNDA  Y  IN  EASTER   WEEK. 

Lessons  :  Exod.  xv.  1—22  ;  Cant.  ii.  10  ;  St.  Luke 

xxiv.  I — 13  ;  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  1 — 10. 

Epistle:  Acts  x.  34 — 44.    Gospel:  St.  Luke  xxiv.  13 — 36. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  through  Thy  only-begotten 
Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  overcome  death,  and  opened 
unto  us  the  gate  of  everlasting  life  ;  We  humbly 
beseech  Thee,  that,  as  by  Thy  special  grace  prevent- 
ing us  Thou  dost  put  into  our  minds  good  desires, 
so  by  Thy  continual  help  we  may  bring  the  same  to 
good  effect  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.    Amen. 

'*  And,  behold,  two  of  them  went  that  same  day  to  a  village 
called  Emmaus." — St.  Luke  xxiv.  13. 

Slowly  along  the  rugged  pathway  walk'd 
Two  sadden'd  wayfarers,  bent  on  one  quest ; 
With  them  Another  who  had  ask'd  to  share 
Their  travel,  since  they  left  the  city  walls  ; 
Their  converse  too  intent  for  speed  ;  and  oft, 
Where  lingered  on  the  rocks  the  sunset  tints, 
They  check'd  their  footsteps,  careless  of  the  hour 
And  waning  light  and  heavy  falling  dews. 
For   from   the  Stranger's  lips    came    words,    that 

burn'd 
And  lit  the  altar  fuel  on  their  hearts, 
Consuming  fear,  and  quickening  faith  at  once. 
God's  oracles  grew  luminous  as  He  spake  ; 
And  all  along  the  ages  Good  from  111 
And  light  from  darkness  sprang,  as  day  from  night. 


78  MONDAY  IN  EASTER   WEEK. 

The  first  faint  dawn  from  ruin'd  Eden  rose, 

And  glimmer'd  round  the  solitary  ark, 

And  lighted  up  Moriah's  sacrifice, 

And  shed  its  warmth  on  Jacob's  dying  couch, 

And    bathed    the    blood-stain'd   mercy-seat    with 

love  ; 
The    eastern    heavens    were    flush'd    with    rosier 

gleams  ; 
It  woke  the  minstrel  shepherd,  and  his  hand, 
Obedient  to  the  gladness,  struck  his  harp, 
"  Joy  cometh  in  the  morning  ;''  and  the  words 
Thereafter  lived  in  song.     Isaiah's  soul 
Glow'd  with  the  coming  glory,  and  his  page 
Caught  the  far  splendours  of  the  orient  clouds  ; 
And  plaintive  Jeremy  look'd  up  and  smiled  ; 
And  rapt  Ezekiel  breathed  his  hopes  in  fire. 
A  deeper  shade  is  glooming  on  the  hills  ; 
A  livelier  amber  brightens  in  the  sky 
And  broadens,  till  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 
Rises  at  last  with  healing  in  His  wings. 

Thus    on    their    path   they   communed,    till   they 

reach'd 
The  lowly  wicket,  and  their  urgent  plea, 
"  Day  is  far  spent,  abide  with  us,"  prevail'd. 
The  lamp  is  lighted  o'er  the  simple  board  ; 
And  there  is  silence  for  a  space  :  but  lo, 
The  Stranger  takes  the  bread  and  blesses  it 
And  breaks  :  and  like  a  dream  the  veil  is  rent, 
Which  hid  their  Lord  and  Master  from  their  gaze. 
It  is  His  eye,  His  hand,  His  voice,  Himself. 
Fain  had  they  fallen  at  His  feet,  and  fain 
Clung  to  Him  as  of  old  :  it  may  not  be  ; 
His  place  is  empty,  but  1 1  is  love  is  there, 
A  calm  abiding  Presence  in  their  hearts. 


MONDAY  IN  EASTER   WEEK.  79 

O  Jesu,  Saviour,  hear  our  cry.     We  too 
Are  weary  travellers  on  life's  rough  path. 
And  Thou  art  still  unchangeably  the  same. 
Come,  Lord,  to  us  and  let  us  walk  with  Thee  : 
Come  and  unfold  the  words  of  heavenly  life, 
Till  our  souls  burn  within  us,  and  the  day 
Breaks,  and  the  Day-star  rises  in  our  hearts. 
Yea,  Lord,  abide  with  us,  rending  the  veil 
Which  hides  Thee  from  the  loving  eye  of  faith, 
Dwell  with  us  to  the  world's  end  evermore, 
Until  Thou  callest  us  to  dwell  with  Thee. 


8o 


TUESDA  Y  IN  EASTER   WEEK. 


TUESDA  Y  IN  EASTER  WEEK. 

Lessons  :  2  Kings  xiii.  14 — 22  ;  St.  John  xxi.  1  — 15; 

Ezek.  xxxvii.  I — 15.;    St.  John  xxi.  15 — 25. 

Epistle:  Acts  xiii.  26 — 42.  Gospel:  St.  Luke  xxiv.  3: — 49. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  through  Thy  only-begotten 
Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  overcome  death,  and  opened 
unto  us  the  gate  of  everlasting  life  ;  We  humbly 
beseech  Thee,  that,  as  by  Thy  special  grace  prevent- 
ing us  Thou  dost  put  into  our  minds  good  desires, 
so  by  Thy  continual  help  we  may  bring  the  same  to 
good  effect  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.     A?ncn. 

"  Lovest  thou  Me  ?"     "  Lord,   Thou  knowest  all  tilings  ; 
Thou  knowest  that  J  love  Thee." — St.  John  xxi.  15,  17. 

From  the  guiding  star  that  led 
Sages  to  the  manger  bed  ; 
From  the  God  incarnate  press'd 
To  the  mother-maiden's  breast  ; 
From  the  labours  humbly  plied 
Day  by  day  at  Joseph's  side  ; 
From  the  sacred  lessons  learn'd 
When  the  lamp  of  evening  burn'd, — 
Steals  the  voice  persuasively 
"  Lovest  thou,  yea  lovest  Me?" 

From  the  Holy  Dove  who  came 
Through  the  azure  heavens  like  flame  ; 
From  the  fast,  the  foughten  strife  ; 
From  the  victory  of  life  ; 
From  the  happy  homes  that  smiled, 
Parent  heal'd  and  rescued  child  ; 


TUESDA  Y  IN  EASTER   WEEK. 

From  the  health  that  play'd  again 

On  the  cheek  long  worn  with  pain, — 

Still  there  sounds  unweariedly 

"  Lovest  thou,  yea  lovest  Me  ?  " 

From  the  mingled  glow  and  gloom 

Of  the  Paschal  upper  room  ; 

From  the  deepening  shades  that  fell 

Over  Kedron's  awful  dell ; 

From  the  blood-stain'd  pathway  trod 

By  the  fainting  Son  of  God  ; 

From  the  woes  to  us  unknown, 

Bitter  cross,  and  sealed  stone, — 

Ever  comes  persistently 

"  Lovest  thou,  yea  lovest  Me  ? " 

From  the  dawn  of  Easter  light 

Breaking  on  the  world's  long  night  ; 

From  the  glories  lingering  yet 

On  the  brow  of  Olivet ; 

From  the  rapturous  angel-songs  ; 

From  the  Pentecostal  tongues  ; 

From  the  voice  divinely  sweet 

At  the  golden  mercy-seat, — 

Pleads,  and  pleads  victoriously, 

"  Lovest  thou,  yea  lovest  Me  ? n 

"  Lord,  Thou  knowest  through  and  through 

All  I  am  and  say  and  do, 

All  the  daily  wants  that  press, 

All  my  hourly  waywardness, 

All  my  conflicts,  crosses,  cares, 

Feeble  praises,  struggling  prayers  ; — 

Yet  Thou  knowest,  Lord,  that  I 

Fain  for  Thee  would  live,  would  die  ; 

Surely  Thou,  who  knowest  me, 

Knowest,  Master,  I  love  Thee.'5 

G 


82     THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  EASTER. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  EASTER. 

Lessons  :  Num.  xvi.,  xvii.  I  — 12  ;   1  Cor.  xv.  1  —  29; 

St.  John  xx.  24 — 30. 

Epistle  :   I  John  v.  4 — 13.    Gospel  :  St.  John  xx.  19—24. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  Father,  who  hast  given  Thine  only  Son 
to  die  for  our  sins,  and  to  rise  again  for  our  justifica- 
tion ;  Grant  us  so  to  put  away  the  leaven  of  malice 
and  wickedness,  that  we  may  alway  serve  Thee  in 
pureness  of  living  and  truth  ;  through  the  merits  of 
the  same  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  Then  the  same  day  at  evening  .  .  .  came  Jesus  and 
stood  in  the  midst,  and  saith  unto  them,  Peace  be  unto  you. 
And  when  He  had  so  said,  He  showed  them  His  hands  and 
His  side.  Then  were  the  disciples  glad,  -when  they  saw  the 
Lord.  Then  said  Jesus  to  them  again,  Peace  be  unto  you  : 
as  My  Father  hath  sent  Me,  even  so  send  I  you'* — St.  John 

XX.    19 21. 

He  liveth,  who  was  dead  : 

The  bars  of  hell  are  riven  : 

The  gloom  of  centuries  is  fled, 

The  light  hath  dawn'd  from  heaven. 

Among  His  own  He  stands, 
Oh  why  those  faithless  fears  ? 
He  shows  His  side  and  feet  and  hands, 
And  dries  the  fount  of  tears. 

Peace,  blessed  peace,  first  sung 
By  angels  at  1  lis  birth, 
Now  drops  melodious  from  His  tongue, 
Like  balm  for  all  the  earth. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.   83 

He  clothes  them  with  the  power 
Of  His  forgiving  love, 
As  clothed  at  His  baptismal  hour 
With  unction  of  the  Dove. 

The  Light  hath  burst  its  prison 
And  shines  Creation  o'er  : 
The  Everlasting  Life  hath  risen, 
And  risen  to  die  no  more. 


G  2 


84  THE  SECOND  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  EASTER. 


THE  SECOXD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

Lessons  :    Num.  xx.  I  — 14,  xx.  14 — xxi.  10,  xxi.  10. 
Epistle  :   I  Peter  ii.  19.     Gospel  :  St.  John  x.  11  — 17. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  Thine  only  Son  to 
be  unto  us  both  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  and  also  an 
ensample  of  godly  life  ;  Give  us  grace  that  we  may 
always  most  thankfully  receive  that  His  inestimable 
benefit,  and  also  daily  endeavour  ourselves  to 
follow  the  blessed  steps  of  His  most  holy  life  ; 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"And  Moses  did  as  the  Lord  commanded :  and  they 
went  up  into  Mount  I/or  in  the  sight  of  all  the  congrega- 
tion. And  Moses  stripped  Aaron  of  his  garments^  and  put 
them  upon  Eleazar  his  son ;  and  Aaron  died  there  in  the 
top  of  the  mount :  and  Moses  and  Eleazar  came  down  from 
the  moicfit." — Num.  xx.  27,  28. 

A  strange  awe  lay  upon  the  silent  tents 
Of  Israel,  when  the  three, — their  aged  chief, 
Aaron  his  brother  and  his  brother's  son, — 
Pass'd  through  the  camp.    Men,  women,  little  ones 
Stood  in  the  tent-doors  gazing.     Never  a  word 
Was  spoken,  as  the  priest  so  pale  and  calm, 
In  all  his  robes  pontifical  array'd, 
Walk'd  through /the  trembling  multitudes.     They 

knew 
They  should  not  see  his  reverend  form  again  : 
He  knew  he  was  about  to  meet  his  God. 
But  when  the  camp  was  left,  then  Aaron  gave, 
In  measured  words  and  slow,  his  latest  charge 
To  Eleazar  ; — words  of  noble  faith, 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  85 

As  one  who  long  had  proved  Jehovah's  power  ; 
Words  of  stern  warning,  being  he  himself 
Had  proved  the  weakness  of  the  heart  of  man  ; — 
Few  words  but  graven  on  the  soul  henceforth. 
Still  onward,  upward  led  the  path  ;  and  ere 
They  gain'd  with  patient  steps  the  ridge  of  Hor 
The  sun  was  sloping  towards  the  western  sea. 
And  then, — in  sooth  he  knew  it  was  not  long 
Before  himself  upon  another  mount 
Should  yield  his  spirit  to  the  hands  of  God, — 
Moses  with  firm  unfaltering  hand  stripp'd  off 
His  brother's  priestly  garments,  and  therewith 
Clothed    one    who    shudder'd    to    receive    them. 

Then 
A  heavenly  radiance  shone  in  Aaron's  eye 
And,  lifting  up  his  hands  to  bless  them  both, 
Even  as  the  words  of  blessing  pass'd  his  lips, 
He  knelt,  he  sank,  he  fell  upon  the  earth  : 
The  fire  was  dimm'd,  the  lamp  of  life  was  quench'd, 
The  eyelids  closed  in  death.     And  Aaron  slept. 

And  where  he  sank  they  scoop'd  his  narrow  grave ; 
And  piled  che  massive  stones  for  sepulchre  : 
And  all  the  weight  of  Israel's  ministry 
On  Eleazar  rested.     So  it  was 
The  priest  was  dead,  the  priesthood  never  died. 
O   Thou,  who    through  the  grave  and  gate  of 

death 
Hast  pass'd  to  glory  in  the  highest  heavens, 
Who  livest  still  for  us  to  intercede, 
Vouchsafe  us  evermore  to  rest  in  Thee, 
Our  One  Eternal  Priest  unchangeable, 
As  from  the  everlasting  yesterday, 
So  through  to-day's  innumerable  needs, 
For  ever  and  for  ever  still  the  same. 


86    THE  THIRD  SUN  DA  V  AFTER  EASTER. 


THE    THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

Lessons  :  Num.  xxii.,  xxiii.,  xxiv. 
Epistle  :  I  Peter  ii.  n — 18.  Gospel :  St.  John  xvi.  16 — 23. 

THE    COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  showest  to  them  that  be  in 
error  the  light  of  Thy  truth,  to  the  intent  that  they 
may  return  into  the  way  of  righteousness  ;  Grant 
unto  all  them  that  are  admitted  into  the  fellowship 
of  Christ's  Religion,  that  they  may  eschew  those 
things  that  are  contrary  to  their  profession,  and 
follow  all  such  things  as  are  agreeable  to  the  same  ; 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

"  And  ye  ncnv  therefore  have  sorrow  :  but  I  will  see  you 
again,  and  your  heart  shall  rejoice,  and  your  joy  no  man 
takethfrom you."1' — St.  John  xvi.  22. 

When  the  weary  at  heart  and  the  laden  with  sin 
Have  open'd  to  Jesus  the  things  that  have  been, 
When  all  is  forgiven,  for  all  is  confess'd, 
In  the  blood  of  His  cross  there  is  rest,  blessed  rest. 

When  in  struggling  for  right  and  in  wrestling  with 

wrong 
The  rough  doubtful  path  seems  most  lonesome  and 

long, 
Ah,  then  like  a  babe  by  its  mother  caress'd 
In  the  bosom  of  Jesus  is  rest,  blessed  rest. 

When  the  home  of  our  childhood  is  shadow'd  and 

dim 
And  the  loved  ones   we  clung  to  are  gather'd  to 

Him, 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.    87 

While    we    nestle    and    weep    on  His  sheltering 

breast, 
Still,  still  Jesus  only  is  rest,  blessed  rest. 

But  the  shadows  shall  pass  and  the  tears  shall  be 

dried 
And  the  light  and  the  love  shall  for  ever  abide  : 
Without  cloud,  without  end,  inexpressibly  blest 
For  the  people  of  God  there  remaineth  a  rest. 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  EASTER. 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
FASTER. 

Lessons  :  Deut.  iv.  I  — 41,  v. 
Epistle  :  James  i.  17 — 22.     Gospel  :  St.  John  xvi.  5 — 16. 


THE   COLLECT. 

0  Almighty  God,  who  alone  canst  order  the 
unruly  wills  and  affections  of  sinful  men  ;  Grant 
unto  Thy  people,  that  they  may  love  the  thing 
which  Thou  commandest,  and  desire  that  which 
Thou  dost  promise  ;  that  so,  among  the  sundry  and 
manifold  changes  of  the  world,  our  hearts  may 
surely  there  be  fixed,  where  true  joys  are  to  be 
found  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"Of His  oivn  will  begat  He  us  with  the  word  of  truths  that 
we  should  be  a  kind  of  fir stf raits  of  His  creatures." — 
James  i.  18. 

Be  blessings  on  the  little  child, 

Which  trusts  because  it  loves  alone 

The  Saviour,  who  on  it  has  smiled 
And  by  that  smile  its  heart  has  won. 

Be  blessings  on  the  generous  youth, 

Who  has  not  learn'd  the  blush  of  shame, 

But  craves  to  climb  from  truth  to  truth, 
And  thinks  that  all  men  crave  the  same. 

Be  blessings  upon  those  who  bear 
The  heat  and  burden  of  the  day, 

And  through  this  world  of  sin  and  care 
Unfaltering  track  a  heavenward  way. 


THE  FOURTH  SUN  DA  Y  AFTER  EASTER. 

Be  blessings  on  the  cloudless  brow 
Of  age  unstain'd  by  storm  and  strife, 

Which  calmly  waits  the  summons  now 
To  pass  into  the  light  of  life. 

And  are  these  gleams  of  heaven  on  earth, 

We  love  through  mists  of  tears  to  trace, 
But  symbols  of  the  Spirit's  birth  ? 
But  firstfruits  of  the  Spirit's  grace  ? 

What  will  it  be  when  those,  who  weep 
But  weeping  seek  the  things  above, 

In  God's  eternal  kingdom  reap 
The  harvest  of  these  seeds  of  love  ? 

A  saint  in  light,  no  cloud  to  mar 
The  perfect  image  of  his  Lord, 

Resplendent  as  the  morning  star  ; 
Is  this  the  sum  of  faith's  reward  ? 

One  saint  albeit  a  saint  in  light, 

One  star  in  heaven's  great  firmament, 

Ah,  this  were  little  in  His  sight 

Who  will  His  Bride  in  bliss  present  ; 

His  Bride,  His  diadem  of  saints, 

Never  a  jewel  wanting  there, 
Whose  spotless  beauty  language  faints 

With  earthly  glories  to  compare  ; 

His  Bride,  of  every  age  and  clime  ; 

His  Bride,  of  numbers  numberless  ; 
The  blossom  and  the  flower  of  time, 

The  crown  of  love  and  loveliness. 

And  is  there  aught  reveal'd  beyond 
This  vision  of  supreme  delight  ? 

Can  faith  with  shaded  eyes  respond 
To  words  which  touch  the  infinite? 


90  THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASIER. 

And  will  the  Bride  herself  appear 
The  firstfruits  of  Eternal  Love  ? 

Is  there  no  bound,  no  limit  here 
To  growth  of  bliss  below,  above  ? 

So  runs  the  living  Oracle, 

"  His  will  begat  the  Church  to  be 
Creation's  firstfruits."     Who  can  tell 
The  harvests  of  eternity  ? 

O  God,  it  is  enough,  if  we 

Will  rest  upon  Thy  word  alone  ; 

And,  taking  what  is  known  of  Thee, 
Will  trust  Thee  for  the  vast  unknown. 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  EASTER.     91 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  EASTER. 

Lessons  :  Deut.  vi.,  ix.,  x. 
Epistle  :  James  i.  22.     Gospel  :  St.  John  xvi.  23. 

THE   COLLECT. 

O  Lord,  from  whom  all  good  things  do  come  ; 
Grant  to  us  Thy  humble  servants,  that  by  Thy  holy 
inspiration  we  may  think  those  things  that  be  good, 
and  by  Thy  merciful  guiding  may  perform  the 
same;  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen, 

<(  Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the  leather 
is  this,  To  visit  the  fatherless  and  the  widows  in  their 
affliction,  and  to  keep  himself  unspotted fro?n  the  world." — 
James  i.  27. 

"  Ye  have  the  poor  with  you  ahuays,  and  whensoever  ye 
will  ye  may  do  them  good ;  but  Me  ye  have  not  always.'''' — - 
St.  Mark  xiv.  7. 

"  I  go  :  the  poor,  My  poor  are  with  you  still, 
And  ye  may  help  them  when  and  as  ye  will." 

Such  was  the  legacy  Incarnate  Love 
Bequeath'd  His  own  before  He  soar'd  above. 

Not  gold  or  jewels,  but  His  poor  to  claim 
Our  succour  for  the  sake  of  His  dear  name. 

No  weary  burden,  but  a  rich  bequest, 
Whereby  who  blesses  is  himself  twice  bless'd. 

Is  it  not  ours  to-day?     Are  not  the  poor, 
The  hungry  and  the  naked,  at  our  door  ? 

And  do  not  still  the  moans  of  anguish  rise, 
By  day  and  night  from  sufferers  to  the  skies  ? 


92     THE  FIFTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  EASTER. 

And  does  not  many  a  sorer,  deeper  need 
Than  poverty  or  pain  for  mercy  plead  ? 

The  wounded  soul,  the  broken  heart's  distress  ; 
Tears  of  the  widow  and  the  fatherless  ? 

And  He,  who  gave  Himself  for  all,  has  given 
To  us  His  servants  of  the  balm  of  heaven. 

Kind   thoughts   and   tender  words   and   generous 

tasks, 
These  for  His  sorrowing  ones  the  Master  asks. 

None  are  so  poor  but  have  some  love  to  shower 
On  poorer  than  themselves,  and  this  is  power. 

This  is  the  worship  pure  and  undefiled 

The  Father  claims  of  every  heaven-born  child. 


THE  ASCENSION  DA  Y.  93 


THE  ASCENSION  DA  Y. 

Lessons  :    Dan.  vii.  9 — 15  ;  2  Kings  ii.  1 — 16  ;  St.  Luke 

xxiv.  44  ;  Heb.  iv. 
For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  i.  1 — 12.  Gospel  :  St.  Mark  xvi.  14. 

THE    COLLECT. 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God,  that  like  as 
we  do  believe  Thy  only-begotten  Son  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  to  have  ascended  into  the  heavens  ;  so  we 
may  also  in  heart  and  mind  thither  ascend,  and 
with  Him  continually  dwell,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen, 

"  So  then  after  the  lord  had  spoken  unto  them,  He  was 
received  tip  into  heaven,  and  sat  on  the  right  hand  of  God." 
— St.  Mark  xvi.  19. 

Glory   to   the    King   of  glory  !    Thou   hast   raised 

Thine  only  Son 
With    Creation's    Hallelujahs   to   Thy  bosom  and 

Thy  throne  ; 
And  the  echo  of  that  triumph  through  the  centuries 

of  years, 
Gathering  strength  with  lapse  of  ages,  falls  to-day 

upon  our  ears. 

Lo,  the    Lamb  of  God,  for   sinners  on    the  altar 

sacrificed, 
In  the  rapture  of  Thy  presence  lives  for  ever  Lord 

and  Christ. 
Lo,  our  great  High  Priest  is  pleading  at  the  blood- 

stain'd  mercy-seat 
All  the  love  of  His  atonement,  fragrance  infinitely 

sweet. 


94  THE  ASCENSION  DA  Y. 

Jesus,  Heir  of  all  things,  enters  on  His  heritage  of 

bliss  ; 
His  the  glory  and  the  blessing,  His  the  power,  the 

wisdom  His  : 
Jesus  reigns,  and  warrior  angels  strike  their  harps 

and  sheath  their  swords, 
Crowning   Him  the  mighty  Victor,  King  of  kings 

and  Lord  of  lords. 

Who   shall  fix  decline  or  limit  to  His  government's 

increase, 
Father  of  the  age  of  ages,  Prince  omnipotent  of 

peace  ? 
Who  the  infinite  horizon  of  His  royalty  shall  span, 
On  the  throne  of  all  dominion,  Son  of  God  and  Son 

of  man  ? 

Yea,  amen.  Thy  Church  triumphant  and  Thy  pil- 
grim Church  on  earth 

Hail  this  day  of  Thine  espousals  and  the  new  Crea- 
tion's birth  : 

Through  the  firmament  of  glory  ring  their  ever- 
lasting songs ; 

Ours  are  from  the  desert  rising,  feeble  voices,  fal- 
tering tongues. 

God,  our  God,  Thou  wilt  not  leave  us  in  this  far-off 

wilderness, 
Widow'd    mourners   for   the    Bridegroom,    orphan 

children,  comfortless  : 
Send  Thy  Comforter,  the  Spirit,  till  our  frail  hearts 

heavenward  rise, 
And  we  dwell,  where  Christ  ascended  dwells  with 

Thee  beyond  the  skies. 


THE  SUN  DA  V  AFTER  ASCENSION  DAY,   05 


THESUNDA  Y  AFTER  ASCENSION  DA  Y. 

Lessons  :  Deut.  xxx.,  xxxiv. ;  Joshua  i. 

Epistle  :   1  Peter  iv.  7 — 12.     Gospel  :  St.  John  xv.  26 

and  xvi.  1 — 5. 

THE  COLLECT. 

0  God  the  King  of  glory,  who  hast  exalted  Thine 
only  Son  Jesus  Christ  with  great  triumph  unto  Thy 
kingdom  in  heaven  ;  We  beseech  Thee,  leave  us  not 
comfortless  ;  but  send  to  us  Thine  Holy  Ghost  to 
comfort  us,  and  exalt  us  unto  the  same  place  whither 
our  Saviour  Christ  is  gone  before,  who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

t  *  When  the  Comforter  is  come,  whom  I  will  send  nnto 
you  from  the  Father,  even  the  Spirit  of  truth,  which  pro- 
ceedeth  from  the  Father,  He  shall  testify  of  Me  " — St.  John 
xv.  26. 

O  Christ,  Thou  hast  ascended 

Triumphantly  on  high, 
By  cherub  guards  attended 

And  armies  of  the  sky  : 
Let  earth  tell  forth  the  story, — 

Our  very  flesh  and  bone, 
Emmanuel,  in  glory, 

Ascends  His  Father's  throne. 

Heaven's  gates  unfold  above  Thee  : 

But  canst  Thou,  Lord,  forget 
The  little  band  who  love  Thee 

And  gaze  from  Olivet  ? 


96    THE  SUN  DA  Y  AFTER  ASCENSION  DA  Y. 

Nay,  on  Thy  breast  engraven 

Thou  bearest  every  name, 
Our  Priest  in  earth  and  heaven 

Eternally  the  same. 

There,  there  Thou  standest  pleading 

The  virtue  of  Thy  blood, 
For  sinners  interceding, 

Our  Advocate  with  God  ; 
And  every  changeful  fashion 

Of  our  brief  joys  and  cares 
Finds  thought  in  Thy  compassion 

And  echo  in  Thy  prayers. 

Oh,  for  the  priceless  merit 

Of  Thy  redeeming  cross 
Vouchsafe  Thy  sevenfold  Spirit 

And  turn  to  gain  our  loss  ; 
Till  we  by  strong  endeavour 

In  heart  and  mind  ascend 
And  dwell  with  Thee  for  ever 

In  raptures  without  end. 


WHITSUXDA  Y.  97 


WHITSUNDA  Y. 

Lessons  :  Deut.  xvi.  1 — 18  ;  Isaiah  xi.  ;  Ezek.  xxxvi.  25  ; 

Rom.  viii.  I  — 18  ;  Gal.  v.  16  ;  Acts  xviii.  24  to  xix.  21. 
For  the  Epistle  :  Actsii.  1  — 12.    Gospel:  St.  Johnxiv.  15. 

THE  COLLECT. 
GOD,  who  as  at  this  time  didst  teach  the  hearts  of 
Thy  faithful  people,  by  the  sending  to  them  the  light 
of  Thy  Holy  Spirit ;  Grant  us  by  the  same  Spirit  to 
have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things,  and  evermore 
to  rejoice  in  His  holy  comfort  ;  through  the  merits 
of  Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour,  who  liveth  andreigneth 
with  Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  same  Spirit,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

u  I 'will pray  the  Father,  and  He  shall  give  yon  another 
Comforter,  that  He  may  abide  with  you  for  ever." — St.  John 
xiv.  16. 

Creator  Spirit,  make  Thy  throne 

The  hearts  which  Thou  hast  seal'd  Thine  own  ; 

With  grace  celestial  fill  and  warm 

The  bosoms  Thou  hast  deign'd  to  form. 

To  Thee,  Great  Comforter,  we  cvy, 
O  highest  gift  of  God  most  High. 
O  fount  of  life,  O  fire,  O  love, 
Baptize,  anoint  us  from  above. 

Us  with  Thy  sevenfold  gifts  endow, 
Of  God's  right  Hand  the  Finger  Thou  ; 
And  from  His  pledged  munificence 
Enrich  our  lips  with  utterance. 

Enflame,  enlighten  all  our  powers  ; 
Breathe  love  into  these  hearts  of  ours  ; 
Our  body,  strengthless  for  the  fight, 
Strengthen  with  Thy  perpetual  might. 

H 


98 


WHITSUNDAY. 


Keep  far  aloof  our  ghostly  foe, 

And  ever-during  peace  bestow  : 

With  Thee  our  Guardian,  Thee  our  Guide, 

No  evil  can  our  steps  betide. 

With  heavenly  joys  our  service  crown  ; 
On  earth  pour  heavenly  graces  down  ; 
From  chains  of  strife  Thy  saints  release, 
And  knit  them  in  the  bonds  of  peace. 

Vouchsafe  us  in  Thy  light  to  see 
The  Father  and  the  Son  and  Thee, 
Our  God  from  all  the  ages  past, 
Our  God  while  endless  ages  last. 

Be  glory  to  the  Father,  Son, 

And  blessed  Comforter,  in  One. 

Grant  we  may  through  the  Christ  inherit 

Thy  grace  and  glory,  Holy  Spirit.     Amen, 

The  reader  may  like  to  have  the  Latin  hymn,  of  which  the  above 
is  a  newly  attempted  version,  before  him.  It  was  probably  intro- 
duced into  the  service  late  in  the  nth  century,  when  it  occurs  in 
the  Pontifical  of  Soisson.  Dean  Comber  says  that  the  composition 
of  this  hymn  was  ascribed  to  St.  Ambrose  :  it  is  not,  how  ever, 
claimed  by  his  Benedictine  editors.  (See  Annotated  Prayer  book.) 
It  is  mainly  known  to  the  English  Church  through  the  very 
beautiful  but  much  abbreviated  translation  of  Bishop  Cosin,  which 
is  found  in  his  private  devotions  (1627),  beginning  "  Come,  Holy 
Ghost,  our  souls  inspire."  Nothing  could  ever  displace  this  version 
from  the  place  it  holds  in  our  hearts.  It  has  transfused  itself  into  the 
deepest  life  of  our  Church.  But  it  only  consists  of  eighteen  lines, 
whereas  the  original  has  thirty-two  ;  and  many  of  those  omitted 
contain  germs  of  thought  which  no  one  would  willingly  let  die. 

"  Vos  unctioncm  habetis  a  Sancto, 

*'  Veni,  Creator  Spiritus, 
Mentes  Tuorum  visita  : 
Imple  superna  gr.itia 
Qua:  'I'li  creastl  pectora. 


"  Qui  diceris  Paraclitus, 

Altissiini  donuin  Dei  : 

Pons  vivus,  i^ni-".  caritas, 
Et  ipiritalis  uuctio. 


"  l'u  septiformis  oiunere, 

1  ><\ti;e  I  )ei  Tu  digitus, 

'l'n  rite  promissum  l'.uii^, 
Sermone  ditans  guttura. 


"Acccndc  lumen  sensibus, 
[nfunde  amorem  cordibus  ; 

lnlirma  nostri  corporis 

Virtute  firmans  perpeti, 


WHITSUNDA  Y. 


99 


'  Hostem  repellas  longius, 
Pacemque  clones  protinus  . 
Ductore  sic  Te  praevio, 
Vitemus  omne  noxium. 

1  Da  gaudiorum  praemia  ; 
Da  gratiarum  munera  ; 
Dissolve  litis  vincula, 
AcLtringe  pacis  fcedera. 


"  Per  Te  sciamus  da  Patrem, 
Noscamus  atque  Filium, 
Te  utriusque  Spiritum 
Credamus  omni  tempore. 

'  Sit  laus  Patri  cum  Filio, 
Sancto  simul  Paraclito  ; 
Nobisque  mittat  Filius 
Charisma  Sancti  Spiritus.1 

"  Amen.' 


1  This  verse  in  the  Pontificate  Romanum  is  very  different  : — 

"  Deo  Patri  sit  gloria  I       Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito 

Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis  In  saeculorum  saecula  ;" 

but  may  probably  have  been  in  Bishop  Cosin's  mind  when  he  wrote 
the  fine  line — 

"  That  through  the  ages  all  along." 


H    2 


MONDA  Y  IN  WHITSUN  WEEK. 


MONDA  Y  IN  WHITSUN  WEEK. 

Lessons:  Gen.  xi.  I — 10 ;  Num.  xi.  16—31  ;   1  Cor.  xii. 

I — 14,  xii.  27,  and  xiii. 
For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  x.  34.  Gospel  :  St.  John  iii.  16 — 22. 

THE    COLLECT. 

God,  who  as  at  this  time  didst  teach  the  hearts  of 
Thy  faithful  people,  by  the  sending  to  them  the  light 
of  Thy  Holy  Spirit ;  Grant  us  by  the  same  Spirit  to 
have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things,  and  evermore 
to  rejoice  in  His  holy  comfort  ;  through  the  merits 
of  Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  same  Spirit,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

u  All  these  wtrketh  that  one  and  the  selfsame  Spirit, 
dividing  to  every  man  severally  as  He  will" — 1  Cor. 
xii.  11. 

O'er  the  waters  void  and  formless 

Thou  didst  brood  alone, 
Breathing  peace  serene  and  stormless, 
Holy  One. 

In  Thy  strength  the  patriarchs  hoary, 

Seers  and  men  of  might, 
Won  their  fadeless  crowns  of  glory, 
Robed  in  Light. 

When  the  mystic  valley  shaken 

Hears  the  prophets  prayer, 
When  from  death  the  Living  waken, 

Thou  wast  there. 


MONDA  V  IN  WHITS  UN  WEEK,        ic 

When  Messiah  humbly  kneeling, 

Rose  from  Jordan's  flood, 
Heaven  unroll' d  Thy  form  revealing, 
Dove  of  God. 

It  is  finished  ;  death  defeated  ; 

Life  and  victory  won  : 
And  our  Priest  and  Prince  is  seated 
On  the  Throne. 

Lo,  He  pleads  His  passion's  merit, 

Pleads  His  mystic  name, 
And  the  Eternal  sevenfold  Spirit 

Falls  like  flame. 

Fount  of  life,  who  failest  never, 

Hear  our  wrestling  cry  ; 
Yesterday,  to-day,  for  ever, 

Thou  art  nigh. 

Suppliant  we  fall  down  before  Thee ; 

Or,  with  anguish  dumb, 
Aching  weary  hearts  implore  Thee, 

Come,  Lord,  come. 

Over  souls  with  sorrow  riven, 

Strewn  with  wrecks  of  death, 
Come  from  the  four  winds  of  heaven  ; 
Come,  O  Breath. 

Ours  the  grief,  the  meek  confession  ; 

Thine  the  love  and  power  ; 
Come  for  Jesus'  intercession, 

Come  this  hour. 


TUESDAY  IN  WHITSUN  WEEK. 


TUESDA  Y  IN  WHITSUN  WEEK. 

Lessons  :  Joel  ii.  21  ;  Micah  iv.  I — 8  ;   I  Thess.  v. 
12 — 24  ;   I  John  iv.  I  — 14. 
For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  viii.  14—18.     Gospel  :  St.  John 
x.   I  —  II. 


THE  COLLFXT. 

GOD,  who  as  at  this  time  didst  teach  the  hearts  of 
Thy  faithful  people,  by  the  sending  to  them  the 
light  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit  ;  Grant  us  by  the  same 
Spirit  to  have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things,  and 
evermore  to  rejoice  in  His  holy  comfort ;  through 
the  merits  of  Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour,  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  same 
Spirit,  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

"  I will  pour  out  My  Spirit  upon  all  flesh." — Joel  ii.  28. 

Abide  with  us  ;  for  our  dear  Lord  is  gone 
And  we  are  left  in  this  bleak  world  alone. 
But  who  shall  dare  to  murmur,  Ichabod, 
While  Thou  art  with  us,  Spirit  of  our  God? 

O  Holy  Comforter,  with  us  abide  : 
Are  we  not  of  His  suffering  sorrowing  Bride? 
He  pleads  in  heaven  :  in  answer  to  His  prayer 
Vouchsafe  Thy  presence  here  as  He  is  there. 

We  need  Thee,  or  the  morning  dews  too  soon 
Are  dried  and  lost  before  the  sultry  noon  ; 
But  spring  Thou  up  within  our  heart  always 
A  fount  of  penitence  and  prayer  and  praise. 


TUBS  DA  Y  IN  WHITSUN  WEEK.         103 

We  need  Thee  for  the  world  is  lapp'd  in.  sleep  ; 
Thy  voice  must  wake  them  :  we  can  only  weep. 
Come,  Light  of  life,   and  breathe  Thy  quickening 

breath 
In  hearts  o'ershadow'd  with  the  gloom  of  death. 

Come,  Lord,  to  us  in  this  Thy  mercy's  hour, 
Come  in  Thy  plenitude  of  grace  and  power  ; 
No  wayfarer  be  Thou,  no  transient  guest, 
But  ever  here  vouchsafe  to  reign  and  rest. 

O  Spirit  of  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
Thou  in  the  everlasting  glory  One, 
We  worship  Thee,  we  love  Thee  and  adore, 
The  Lord  of  life,  our  life  for  evermore. 


104  TRINITY  SUNDA  Y. 


TRINITY  SUNDA  Y. 

Lessons:    Isaiah  vi.   I — n  ;  Gen.   xviii.,  i.  and  ii.  I — 4; 

Rev.  i.  1—9  ;  Eph.  iv.  I — 17  ;  St.  Matt  iii. 
For  the  Epistle  :  Rev.  iv.  1.     Gospel :  St.  John  iii.  1 — 16. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hast  given 
unto  us  Thy  servants  grace  by  the  confession  of  a 
true  faith  to  acknowledge  the  glory  of  the  eternal 
Trinity,  and  in  the  power  of  the  Divine  Majesty  to 
worship  the  Unity;  We  beseech  Thee,  that  Thou 
wouldest  keep  us  steadfast  in  this  faith,  and  ever- 
more defend  us  from  all  adversities,  who  livest  and 
reignest,  one  God,  world  without  end.    Amen, 

"  And one  cried  unto  another  and  sail,  Holy,  holy,  holy 
is  the  lord  of  hosts  :  the  whole  eartJi  is  full  of  His  glory." 
— Isaiah  vi.  3. 

Father  of  heaven  above, 
Dwelling  in  light  and  love, 

Ancient  of  days. 
Light  unapproachable, 
Love  inexpressible, 
Thee,  the  Invisible, 

Laud  we  and  praise. 

Christ,  the  eternal  Word, 
Christ,  the  incarnate  Lord, 

Saviour  of  all, 
High  throned  above  all  height, 
( rod  of  ( rod,  Light  of  Light, 
Increate,  infinite, 

( )n  Thee  we  call. 


V 


TRINITY  SUN  DA  Y.  105 

O  God,  the  Holy  Ghost, 
Whose  fires  of  Pentecost 

Burn  evermore, 
In  this  far  wilderness 
Leave  us  not  comfortless  : 
Thee  we  love,  Thee  we  bless, 

Thee  we  adore. 

Strike  your  harps,  heavenly  powers  ; 
With  your  glad  chants  shall  ours 

Trembling  ascend  : 
All  praise,  O  God,  to  Thee, 
Three  in  One,  One  in  Three, 
Praise  everlastingly, 

World  without  end. 


io5  THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y 


THE  FIRST  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :   Josh.  iii.    7  to  iv.    15,   v.   13  to  vi.  21,    xxiv. 
Epistle  :   I  John  iv.  7.      Gospel  :  St.  Luke  xvi.  19. 

THE  COLLECT. 

0  GOD,  the  strength  of  all  them  that  put  their  trust 
in  Thee,  mercifully  accept  our  prayers  ;  and  because 
through  the  weakness  of  our  mortal  nature  we  can 
do  no  good  thing  without  Thee,  grant  us  the  help 
of  Thy  grace,  that  in  keeping  of  Thy  command- 
ments we  may  please  Thee,  both  in  will  and  deed  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

ilAnd  the  priests  that  bare  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  stood  firm  on  dry  ground  in  the  midst  of '  Jordan , 
and  all  the  Israelites  passed  over  on  diy  ground,  until  all 
the  people  were  passed  clean  over  Jordan." — Josh.  iii.  17. 

'"''For  this  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and  ever  :  He  will 
be  our  guide  even  x  unto  death." — Ps.  xlviii.  14. 

Be  the  pathway  smooth  or  thorny, 

Dark  with  storms  or  bright, 
All  along  life's  changeful  journey 
Day  and  night  ; 

Through  the  desert,  wending  lonely, 

Or  with  loved  ones  nigh  ; 
Bread  to  spare,  or  given  only 
As  we  cry  ; 

1  Or  rather,  "  over  death."  The  learned  Dr.  Kay  translates  the 
last  clause,  "    He     lhms<;lt    will   guide    us   over   death:"    and   says, 

"  Hebrew,  A  lmuth%  across  the  gulf  of  death,  as  He  led  Israel  of 
old  a-jrosithe  Red  Sea  and  Jordan  to  the  land  of  everlasting  peace.' 


AFTER  TRINITY.  107 

Wayworn  in  its  weary  stages, 

Or  by  crystal  springs  ; 
Where  the  smitten  Rock  of  Ages 
Comfort  brings  ; 

Onward  still  ;  come  joy  or  sorrow, 

Blossom  or  decay  ; 
Knowing  nothing  of  to-morrow, 
Calm  to-day  ; 

God  will  be  our  guide  for  ever, 

To  our  latest  breath, 
Through  the  depths  of  Jordan's  river, 
Over  death  : 

Over  death,  among  the  meadows 

Where  His  own  are  led, 
And  in  perfect  day  the  shadows 
All  have  fled  : 

Over  death,  all  told  the  story 

Of  our  earthly  strife, 

Heirs  of  everlasting  glory, 

Endless  life. 


io8  THE  SECOND  SUNDA  Y 


THE  SECOND  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  Judges  iv.,  v.,  vi.  II. 
Epistle  :  I  John  iii.  13.     Gospel:   St.  Luke  xiv.  16 — 25. 

THE  COLLECT. 

O  Lord,  who  never  failest  to  help  and  govern  them 
whom  Thou  dost  bring  up  in  Thy  steadfast  fear  and 
love  ;  Keep  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  under  the  protec- 
tion of  Thy  good  providence,  and  make  us  to  have 
a  perpetual  fear  and  love  of  Thy  holy  Name;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

"  The  Spirit  of  the  lord  came  upon  "  [Heb.,  "  clothed"] 
"  Gideon." — Judges  vi.  34. 

Clothed  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 

Go,  brother,  on  thy  way 
To  Afric's  night-bound  coast, 

A  herald  of  God's  day. 

Clothed  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
A  robe  and  crown  of  flame, 

As  once  on  Pentecost 

The  first  great  baptism  came. 

Clothed  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
Stand,  soldier  of  the  Lord  ; 

His  cross  thy  only  boast, 
His  Gospel  truth  thy  sword. 


AFTER  TRIXITY. 


109 


Clothed  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
Thy  panoply  of  proof : 

The  devil  and  his  host 
Shudder,  and  flee  aloof. 

Clothed  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
If  suffering  be  thy  lot, 

When  worn  and  wearied  most, 
Thus  mantled,  murmur  not. 

Clothed  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
Till  Christ  shall  call  or  come, 

And  from  the  watchman's  post 
Shall  take  thee  to  His  home. 


These  lines  were  written  on  the  consecration  of  Dr.   Ingham, 
Bishop  of  Sierra  Leone,  Feb.  24th,  1883. 


THE  THIRD  SUN  DA  Y 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Lessons  :   I  Sam.  ii.  I — 27,  iii.,  iv.  1  — 19. 
Epistle  :  1  Peter  v.  5 — 12.    Gospel  :  St.  Luke  xv.  I — II. 

THE    COLLECT. 

0  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  mercifully  to  hear  us  ; 
and  grant  that  we,  to  whom  Thou  hast  given  an 
hearty  desire  to  pray,  may  by  Thy  mighty  aid  be 
defended  and  comforted  in  all  dangers  and  adver- 
sities ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

u  J  will  bring  him  that  he  may  appear  before  the  lord, 
and  the?  e  abide  for  ever.  .  .  .  A  nd  Hannah  prayed  and 
said,  My  heart  rejoictth  in  the  lord." — 1  Sam.  i.  22  and 
ii.  1. 

"  O  lonely  mother,  reft  of  thy  sweet  child, 
What  means  that  song  of  lofty  eucharist 
Within  thy  desolate  home  ?     Surely  thy  arms 
Crave  the  loved  burden  they  have  borne  so  long  : 
No  little  feet  are  pattering  by  thy  side  : 
The  crib  is  empty  by  thy  couch  at  night. 
Hast  thou  not  left  thy  treasure  far  away 
In  the  dread  house  of  Shiloh  ?     Other  hands 
Will  feed  thy  nursling  ;  other  lips  than  thine 
Pour  into  his  fond  ear  the  things  of  God. 
Why  floats  upon  the  evening  wind  thy  voice, 
*  My  heart  rejoiceth  in  the  Lord  :  my  horn 
Is  lifted  in  my  God  :  no  rock  is  like 
The  Rock  of  our  salvation  '  ?     Surely  sighs, 
Not  songs,  befit  thy  lot.    Why  singest  thou  ?" 

The  mother  probed  her  heart  and  inwardly 
As  in  a  muse  made  answer  to  herself, 


AFTER  TRIXITY.  in 


'*  Had  I  not  given  my  firstborn  ere  his  birth 

And  pledged  him  as  a  lifelong  loan  to  God  ? 

And  if  He  now  has  ta'en  me  at  my  word 

Why  should  I  mourn  because  my  child  is  His 

For  ever  ?     Ramah  is  not  Shiloh  :  yet 

The  love  of  Ramah  passes  Shiloh's  gates, 

Yea,  passes  and  repasses  to  and  fro, 

And  wraps  my  darling  round  by  day  and  night. 

He  ministers  to  God  an  infant  priest  : 

I  serve  Him  in  the  costliest  offering 

A  mother's  heart  can  render,  and  perforce 

Must   sing   His  praise.     He  has  done  all  things 

well. 
From  His  rich  stores  of  immortality 
He  gave  me  this  great  gift,  a  deathless  soul  ; 
And  now  He  deigns  accept  it  from  my  hand  ; 
Until  the  house  of  God  above  the  heavens 
Draw  all,  my  husband  and  my  child  and  me, 
Within  its  mansions  of  eternal  rest.55 


1 1 2  THE  FO  UR  TH  SUA7 DA  Y 


THE  FOURTH  SUN  DA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :   I  Sam.  xii.,  xiii. ;  Ruth  i. 

Epistle  :  Rom.  viii.  18 — 24.     Gospel  :  St.  Luke  vi. 

36—43- 

THE   COLLECT. 

O  GOD,  the  protector  of  all  that  trust  in  Thee, 
without  whom  nothing  is  strong,  nothing  is  holy  ; 
Increase  and  multiply  upon  us  Thy  mercy  :  that 
Thou  being  our  ruler  and  guide,  we  may  so  pass 
through  things  temporal,  that  we  finally  lose  not 
the  things  eternal  :  Grant  this,  O  heavenly  Father, 
for  Jesus  Christ's  sake  our  Lord.     A))icn. 

"  The  earnest  expectation  of  the  creature  ivaiteth  for  the 
manifestation  of  the  sons  of  God  " — Rom.  viii.  19. 

Joy  for  the  everlasting  chime, 
Swept  from  creation's  great  majestic  chords, 
The  echoes  of  eternity  in  time 

That  all  things  are  the  Lord's  ! 
The  breath  of  morn,  the  hush  of  noon, 

The  evening's  amber  light, 
Until  the  unsuspected  silvery  moon 
With  all  the  stars  that  cluster  round  her  soon 

First  tell  us  it  is  night  ; 
The  mirth  and  music  of  a  thousand  rills 

Amid  the  slumber  of  the  hills  ; 

And  borne  upon  the  bosom  of  the  breeze 

The  diapason  of  the  far-off  mighty  seas  ! 

Joy  for  the  glancing  of  the  insect's  wing, 

And  every  living  thing 

In  water,  air  or  earth, 


AFTER   TRINITY.  113 

The  multitudinous  voices  heard 
From  beast  and  bird, 
Rejoicing  in  their  birth, 
And  emulous  by  gladness  thanks  to  give 
To  Him  who  made  it  happiness  to  live ! 
And  joy,  a  deeper  holier  joy 
For  the  rich  dower  of  human  love 
That  stirs  the  heart  of  man  and  boy, 
The  maiden  and  the  mother, 
The  sister,  friend,  and  brother, 
And  bids  the  kindreds  of  the  world  rejoice 
Responsive  to  the  still  small  voice 
Of  the  Celestial  Dove, 
And  makes,  where'er  the  pilgrim  roams, 
The  earth  a  mirror  in  her  countless  homes 
Of  heaven  above  ! 

What  mean  then  all  those  undertones 
Of  sighs  and  groans, 
That  day  and  night  incessantly  arise 
From  earth  and  ocean  to  the  listening  skies, 
And  reach  the  Throne  of  thrones  ? 
From  lands  of  drought  and  thirsty  plains, 
From  floods  and  desolating  rains, 
From  earthquakes  and  from  hurricanes  ; 
From  mists  that  veil  the  face  of  heaven, 
From  clouds  by  angry  lightnings  riven  ; 
From  every  leaflet's  blighted  form 

That  shrivels  in  the  east  wind's  wrath, 
O  r,  shatter'd  by  the  untimely  storm, 

Lies  in  our  daily  path  ; 
From  rapine  of  the  beasts  of  prey, 

From  malice  of  the  serpent  brood, 
That  lurk  beside  the  traveller's  way 
Or  haunt  the  dreary  solitude; 

T 


I  14  THE  FOUR  Til  SUXDA  Y 


From  anguish  not  unfelt 
By  Him  who  notes  the  sparrows  as  they  fall; 
From  needless  reckless  sufferings  dealt 
On  creatures  made  by  Him  who  made  us  all  ; 
Ay  ;  and  from  sorer  bitterer  woe 
Than  nature  in  her  wounds  can  show, 
Or  aught  insensible  can  know, 
From  many  a  ruin'd  hearth, 
Once  gay  with  Eden's  bloom  ; 
From  many  a  home,  once  echoing  songs  of  mirth, 
Now  silent  as  the  tomb  ; 
From  hearts  that  bleed,  from  scorching  tears 
That  weep  the  joys  of  bygone  years, 
From  sin  and  self's  remorseless  agony, 
Arises  to  the  common  Father's  ears 
His  children's  cry. 

And  shall  this  tide  of  mingled  joy  and  sorrow, 

Of  bliss  and  bale, 
These  gladsome  carols  broken  by  the  wail 

Of  misery's  sickening  tale, 
Dreams  of  to-day,  still  baffled  by  to-morrow, 
Shall  this  alternate  shade  and  sheen 
For  ever  pass  o'er  ages  yet  unseen  ? 
Is  this  the  horoscope  of  things  to  be, 
The  forecast  of  eternity  ? 
Nay,  Harp  of  prophecy,  forbid 
The  wrongful  thought  ! 
The  counsels  of  Eternal  Love  are  wrought 
In  secret,  and  the  ways  of  God  are  hid 
In  clouds  of  mystery  that  veil  His  throne, 
A  dark  impenetrable  zone 
Except  to  faith  alone. 
Faith  listens  with  an  car  unseal'd  ; 
Faith  grasps  the  things  to  others  unrcveal'd. 


AFTER  TRINITY.  115 

The  Lord  hath  spoken  : — how  or  when 
Lies  not  within  her  ken  : — 
Enough  for  her 
The  future  will  be  God's  interpreter. 
She  listens  ;  and  what  time  the  hearts  of  men 
Are  failing  them  for  fear, 
She  deems  the  hour  is  near, 
And  sings  to  her  own  heart  the  strain 
Again  and  yet  again, 
The  Great  Redeemer  comes,  He  comes  to  reign. 

Sing,  O  ye  heavens  !     O  earth,  rejoice  ! 
The  Lord  is  on  His  way  : 
With  sound  of  trumpet  and  archangel  voice 
He  comes  to  call  the  people  of  His  choice 
To  mansions  of  eternal  day. 

The  Bridegroom  claims  the  Bride, 
He  claims  her  for  His  own, 
Emancipated,  glorified  ; 
And  bids  her  take  her  destined  place  beside 

Himself  upon  the  throne. 
Things  only  in  the  school  of  suffering  learn'd, 
Compassions  elsewhere  undiscern'd, 

The  clinging  clasp  on  truth, 
The  trustfulness,  the  pitying  ruth, 
The  high  endurance  that  can  dare 
The  worst  of  hate  for  love  to  bear,- — 
These  things  forsooth, 
The  fruit  of  centuries  of  discipline, 

Beneficent,  benign, 
Are  written  in  the  every  glance 
Of  her  transparent  countenance. 
But  on  her  cloudless  brow, 
Her  fearless  freeborn  mien, 
Calm  and  serene 
1   2 


1 1 6  7  HE  FO  UR  Til  SUN  DA  Y 

No  record  of  past  anguish  now, 

No  dread  of  change  is  seen. 

Her  sufferings  all  are  o'er, 

Nor  are  remember'd  more 
In  that  pure  smile  of  childlike  innocence, 

That  heaven  of  perfect  confidence  : 
She  seeks  no  other  rapture  or  reward, 
She  is  for  ever  with  the  Lord. 

And  in  that  morning  of  the  revelation 
Of  the  sons  of  God 
The  infinite  creation, 
Wherever  wing  has  soar'd  or  footstep  trod, 
In  earth  beneath  or  firmament  above, 
Things  small  and  great, 
Inanimate  and  animate, 
Shall  know  the  omnipotence  of  Love. 
Joy  for  His  ransom'd  universe  ! 
Behold  the  end  of  sin  and  sorrow's  reign  ! 

There  shall  be  no  more  curse, 
There  shall  be  no  more  crying,  no  more  pain, 
Nor  death  shall  cast  its  dreadful  pall  again, 
For  ever  conqucr'd  in  that  final  strife, 
Over  the  home  of  everlasting  life. 
O  glorious  city  of  the  King  of  kings  ! 
()  blessed  people  underneath  His  wings  ! 

No  fear  of  evil  more  shall  shadow  them  ; 
No  foes  shall  threaten  more  their  bliss  untold  ; 
No  film  shall  cloud  the  pure  crystalline  gold 
Of  heaven's  Jerusalem. 
For  there  the  throne 

Of  God  and  of  the  Land), 
Unchanging  as  His  Name  I  AM, 
Is  glory  and  defence  in  one  ; 

And  here  we  trust  we  worship  and  adore 


AFTER   TRINITY.  117 

The  God  of  our  salvation  ;  unto  Whom 
Now  in  this  world  of  glow  and  gloom, 
Hereafter  in  that  world  of  light, 
Unclouded,  endless,  infinite, 
Be  glory  evermore. 


1 1 8  THE  FIFTH  SI  \\l  >AY 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Lessons  :   I  Sam.  xv.  1  —  24,  xvi..  xvii. 
Epistle  :  1  Peter  iii.  8—16.     Gospel :  St.  Luke  v.  1  —  12. 

THE    COLLECT. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  the  course  of 
this  world  may  be  so  peaceably  ordered  by  Thy 
governance,  that  Thy  Church  may  joyfully  serve 
Thee  in  all  godly  quietness;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  I  ivill  send  tJiee  to  Jesse  the  Beth'lehemite,  for  1  have 
provided  Me  a  king  among  his  sons." — 1  Sam.  xvi.  1.  Cf. 
I  Sam.  xiii.  14  :  "  The  Lord  hath  sought  IFim  a  man 
after  His  own  heart" 

0  Heart  of  God  in  which  all  pulses  beat, 
Where  all  things  highest,  purest,  holiest,  meet ; 
That  ocean  of  unfathomable  love 

O'er  which  for  ever  moves  the  mystic  Dove  ; 
What  was  there  in  the  heart  of  Jesse's  son 

Which,  tuned  and  temper'd  by  the  touch  Divine, 
Wras  found  in  such  mysterious  unison, 
O  Heart  of  hearts,  with  Thine? 

Was  it  that  courage,  which  had  dared  to  brave 
The  lion  and  the  bear,  a  lamb  to  save  ; 
And  in  the  simple  panoply  of  faith 

1  lad  slain  ( rOliath  in  his  pride  and  wrath  ? 
Which  scorning  scorn,  and  proud  of  generous  scars, 

Was  ever  first  where  danger  threaten'd  most. 
The  trusted  leader  in  a  hundred  wars, 
The  captain  of  ( lod's  host  ? 


AFTER  TRINITY.  119 


Was  it  that  royalty,  innate,  inbred, 

Which  crowned  with  grace  a  shepherd  stripling's 

head, 
And  clothed  him  with  a  strange  imperial  power 
Before  which  weaker  spirits  learned  to  cower  ? 
That  kingly  presence,  that  majestic  form, 

That  generous  hand,  that  keen  far-reaching  eye 
Which  guided  Israel  through  those  years  of  storm 
To  peace  and  victory  ? 

Or  was  it  that  inimitable  skill 
Of  minstrelsy  and  music  which  at  will 
Laid  bare  the  passions  of  the  human  breast, 
Unresting  till  they  find  in  God  their  rest, 
So  true,  so  tender,  that  his  simplest  chords 
Have  lived  through  all  the  ages  vibrating 
And  moving  countless  listeners  in  his  words 
With  him  to  weep  or  sing  ? 

O  Heart  of  God,  all  courage  is  of  Thee  ; 
Thou  art  the  fountain-head  of  royalty  ; 
And  all  of  song  or  music  here  below 
Must  from  the  Harmony  of  Godhead  flow. 
But  was  there  not  a  deeper  closer  bond 

Which  knit  the  heart  of  David  to  Thine  own, 
A  something  which  made  heart  to  heart  respond 
To  Thee  and  Thine  alone  ? 

Oh,  read  we  not  the  answer  in  Thy  Name, 
To-day,  for  ever,  yesterday  the  same, 
That  name  transparent  in  Thy  courts  above, 
Here  traced  in  many  fragments,  "  God  is  love.'5 
For  surely  of  the  countless  bosoms  form'd 

By  Thee  Thyself  to  image  and  adore, 

None  with  a  purer  fire  of  love  was  warm'd 

Than  David's  heart  of  yore. 


i2>  77//-   FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER   TRINITY. 


I  hou  •.'.  i  I  the  !  Ihepherd  ol  bi  i  bo)  i  h  da 
When  Bethlehem  he  ird  in  >  earlie  n 

The  (  rU  H'liin  ->f  hi  »  youth;  hi  ,  minli  |  mIi  ; 

The  .'in  ihine  (>i  in  I  a  \t  \  and  when  at  len  \\  b 
lii'   'I  after  many  ;i  weary  fight 

I  In  i  wa  i  the  bui  den  <>i  the  conquei 
M0  Lord,  my  Rock,  my  fortn     .  and  my  might, 
I  willlove  Thee,  0  Lord,'1 

And  from  this  spring  the  Son  of  fe  >e  drew 
All  other  friendship  i  fre  ;h  a  i  morning  dew  : 
Hi.  soul  i"  Jonathan  bi  i  brothei  i  : 
As  only  brave  men  lo  >od  and  bra 

And  all  that  noble  pi  incely  brot  berhooi  l 

Of  w.ii  i  ioi  >,  trained  in  bai  dship  ;,  p  i  il .,  tna 
\V<  re  knit  more  i  lo  idy  I  ban  by  birth  or  blood 
To  one  w  bo  le  \v-.u  \  wa  .  I  heirs. 

A  hero's  life  \    alas,  we  weep  abash'd 
I'  oi  one  foul  page  by  Lu  ■'  and  mui  dei  d  i  ih*d  ; 
Yh,  hin  d  once  foi  1 1 mil  ,  take,  lei  the  veil 
( >i  thame  and  anguish  bide  the  hideous  tale  j 
And  in  I  bat  bi  oken  beai  ted  monan  b's  p  ialm, 

Breathed  in  the  pit  ying  pardoning  eai  ol  heaven, 
I  .<  ,u  ii  i  onti  ite  *.'  iei  is  keen<  it  w  hen  mo  ;t  <  aim, 
Most  deep  when  mo  it  f<  u  gh  on. 

Lo  e,  love, — the  love  oi  t !  1 1,  the  love  of  man, — 

i  ,  i  'H  ,  i  be  mea  iui  e  in  life  \  little  ip 

t  )i  ..mil  lie  .i    aint  i,  I  bo  ■<■  neare  I  likest  H  im 

in'  ircled  with  the  bui  ning  !  iei  iphim  ■ 

( )h,  take  I  bi  i  nai  row  ih  tttei  'd  h   irt  ol  mine, 

Do  with  it  what  Thou  wilt,  but  emit  it  n< 
i  ni ii  n  beat    in  i»(,i i<-  i  tune  wil h  fhine, 
o  I  [eai i  «'i  h( 


THE  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.    121 


THE  SIXTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER   TRINITY. 

Lessons  :   2  Sam.  L,  xii.  I — 24, 
pistle  :  Rom.  vi.  3  —  12.     Gospel  :  St.  Malt.  v.  20    -27  . 

THE   COLLECT. 

0  GOD,  who  hast  prepared  for  them  that  love  Thee 
such  good  things  as  pass  man's  understanding  ; 
Pour  into  our  hearts  such  love  toward  Thee,  that 
we,  loving  Thee  above  all  things,  may  obtain  Thy 
promises,  which  exceed  all  that  we  can  desire  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

11  Ifwt  have  been  plant  1 1  •    '  \  *r  in  the  likeness  of  His 

deaths  we  shall  be  al>o  in  ike  likenei  1  of  His  resurrection*9* 

— Rom.  vi.  5. 

Home,   sweet   home. — the  many  mansions   of  my 
Father's  house  above, — 

Builded  by  Almighty  wisdom,  stored  with  every  gift 
of  love, 

Where  the  children  all  are  gatherd,  not  a  wand 
left  to  roam, 

All  dear  names  m  one  enwoven,  home,  my  everlast- 
ing home. 

Eden  bloom'd  with  flowers  and  fruitage  ;  but  no 

mortal  feet  have  trod 
Paths  of  such  transcendent  beauty  as  the   Paradise 

of  God, 
Where  the  crystal  waters  flowing  from  the  Throne, 

a  ceaseless  tide, 
Gladden  with   perennial  freshness  trees  of  life  on 

either  side. 


122  THE  SIXTH  SUNDA  Y 

Earth  has  known  her  cities  crowded  with  the 
noblest  sons  of  men, 

Rich  with  all  that  marks  communion,  citizen  with 
citizen ; 

But  Jerusalem  the  holy,  dwellingplace  of  God's 
elect, 

Hath  no  peer,  for  of  that  city  God  alone  is  Archi- 
tect. 

There  the  wrestler  and  the  racer  wear  the  amaran- 
thine crown  ; 

There  the  warrior  for  the  palm-branch  lays  the 
sword  of  battle  down  ; 

There  the  fellow-heirs  with  Jesus  share  their  Lord's 
inheritance, 

Riches  true  and  ever-during,  wealth  surpassing 
utterance. 

There  the  weary  cease  from  labour,  there  the  life- 
long task  is  o'er  ; 

Godlike  pleasures  without  number  there  well  forth 
for  evermore  ; 

Harpers  harping  Hallelujah,  singers  singing  songs 
of  joy, 

Banquets  of  Divine  refreshment,  ministries  of  loved 
employ. 

There  the  saints  and  angels  mingle  in  serene 
society  ; 

Work  and  worship  there  are  blended  ;  service  soars 
to  royalty  ; 

There  the  Bride  partakes  the  fulness  o(  her  Hus- 
band's perfect  bliss, 

Stamped  for  ever  with  His  likeness,  always  seeing 
linn  who  is. 


AFTER  TRINITY. 


And  are  these  things  ours,  dear  Master  ?     Is  it  but 

a  little  while, 
Ere  the  day  shall  break  for  ever  in  the  sunlight  of 

Thy  smile  ? 
Only  may  we  love  Thee  truly,  not  for  harp,  or  feast, 

or  throne, 
Love  Thee  for  Thou  first  hast  loved  us,  love  Thee 

for  Thyself  alone. 


124  THE  SE  VENTH  SUN  DA  Y 


THE  SEVENTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  I  Chron.  xxi.,  xxii.,  xxviii.  I — 21. 
Epistle  :  Rom.  vi.  19.     Gospel  :  St.  Mark  viii.  1 — 10. 

THE    COLLECT. 

Lord  of  all  power  and  might,  who  art  the  Author 
and  Giver  of  all  good  things  ;  Graft  in  our  hearts 
the  love  of  Thy  Name,  increase  in  us  true  religion, 
nourish  us  with  all  goodness,  and  of  Thy  great 
mercy  keep  us  in  the  same  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

(i  And  David  said.  This  is  the  house  of  the  Lord  God" 
— 1  Chron.  xxii.  1. 

"  How  amiable  are  Thy  tabernacles,  0  Lord  of  hosts? 
— Ps.  lxxxiv.  1. 

How  lovely,  how  beloved  is  Thine  abode, 

Lord  of  the  hosts  of  heaven,  Thou  King  of  saints  ! 

My  heart  cries  out  for  Thee  the  living  God, 
And  for  Thy  courts  my  spirit  longs  and  faints. 

Beneath  Thine  altars  on  the  far  hill-side 

The  sparrow  and  the  swallow  build  their  nest  : 

My  Father,  bid  me  come  to  Thee  and  hide 
A  child's  deep  yearnings  in  a  Parent's  breast. 

Blessed  arc  they  who  in  Thy  temple  dwell 
And  Utter  forth  Thy  praises  day  and  night  ; 

There!  drinking  from  Thy  love's  exhaustless  well 
Pure  crystal  draughts  of  comfort  and  delight. 


AFTER  TRINITY.  125 

Enough  :  let  earth  its  richest  feast  prepare, 
Thy  presence  and  Thy  smile  are  more  than  all, 

And  more  one  day  within  Thy  house  of  prayer 
Than  years  of  mirth  in  pleasure's  festive  hall. 

In  dark  and  danger  sun  and  shield  art  Thou, 
And  grace  and  glory  spring  from  Thee  alone, 

The  Refuge  of  Thy  pilgrim  people  now, 

Their  Home  for  ever  gatherd  round  Thy  throne. 


126  THE  EIGHTH  SUNDAY 


THE  EIGHTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons:  I  Chron.  xxix.  9 — 29;  2  Chron.  i. ;  I  Kings  iii. 
Epistle:  Rom.  viii.  12 — 18.  Gospel:  St.  Matt.  vii.  15—22. 

THE  COLLECT. 

O  God,  whose  never-failing  providence  ordereth  all 
things  both  in  heaven  and  earth  ;  We  humbly 
beseech  Thee  to  put  away  from  us  all  hurtful  things, 
and  to  give  us  those  things  which  be  profitable  for 
us  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

"  All  things  conic  of  Thee,  and  of  Thine  own  have  zve 
given  7iice."—\  Chron.  xxix.  14. 

HYMN    FOR   A    FLOWER   SERVICE. 

Thine,  Lord,  are  the  blossoms  of  forest  and  field, 
And  the  loveliest  gems  which  the  gardens  yield, 
The  heath  of  the  uplands,  the  ferns  of  the  glen, 
And  the  flowers  that  gladden  the  dwellings  of  men. 

Thy  wisdom  and  love  hid  the  seed  in  the  earth, 
And  watch'd  o'er  its  growth  from  its  secret  birth, 
Once  mantled  with  snows  from  the  wintry  blast, 
Till  the  call  of  the  springtide  was  heard  at  last. 

Thine,   Lord,   were   the  dews  and    the  showers    of 

heaven, 
So  eagerly  long'd  for,  so  lovingly  given  : 
The  breath  of  the  morning,  the  sunshine  of  noon, 
The  sweetness  of  May,  and  the  glory  of  June. 

Thou  dwellesl  in  beauty  no  tongue  can  express, 
The  beauty  and  glory  of  I  [oliness  ; 

But  the  flowers  are  glimpses  of  Thee  and  Thine, 
And  in   tin  m  bright  gleams  of  Thy  goodness  shine. 


I. 


AFTER  TRINITY.  127 

We  meet  in  Thy  temple  to  worship  and  pray  ; 
But  we  think  of  Thy  suffering  children  to-day  : 
Grant,   Lord,  that  these  gifts  of  Thy  bounty  may 

shed 
The  glow  of  Thy  smiles  on  their  weary  bed. 

We  offer  Thee,  Lord,  in  these  fruits  and  flowers 
No  fabric  of  man's,  no  fashion  of  ours  ; 
But  Thy  need  iu  Thy  needy  ones  here  we  see, 
And  now  of  Thine  own  have  we  given  Thee. 


I2S    THE  NINTH  SUNDAY  AITEK  TRINITY, 


THE  NINTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Lessons:   I  Kings  x.  I- — 25,  xi.  1  — 15,  xi.  26. 
Epistle  :   1  Cor.  x.  1 — 14.     Gospel  :  St.  Luke  xvi.  I — 10. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Grant  to  us,  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee,  the  spirit  to 
think  and  do  always  such  things  as  be  rightful ; 
that  we,  who  cannot  do  any  thing  that  is  good  with- 
out Thee,  may  by  Thee  be  enabled  to  live  according 
to  Thy  will  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

u  God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted 

above  that  ye  are  able.''' — I  Cor.  x.  13. 

My  Father  and  my  God,  behold 
Thy  wayward  child  before  Thee  ; 

And  to  Thy  will  my  spirit  mould 
I  now  with  tears  implore  Thee. 

Without  Thee  I  in  plenty  pine, 

In  throngs  of  men  am  lonely  ; 
With  Thee  all  earth  and  heaven  are  mine, 

With  Thee,  my  Father,  only. 

O  search  my  bosom  through  and  through 

And  strengthen  my  endeavour, 
And  make  me  always  think  and  do 

What  pleases  Thee  for  ever. 

My  love,  my  life,  my  all  control 

Henceforth  by  Calvary's  story  ; 
Stamp  here  Thy  image  on  my  soul, 

And  lit  me  for  Thy  glory. 


I  HE  TENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  129 


THE  TENTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  TRINITY, 

Lessons  :   I  Kings  xii.,  xiii.,  xvii. 
Epistle  :  I  Cor.  xii.  1 — 14.     Gospel:  St.  Luke  xix.  41 — 47. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Let  Thy  merciful  ears,  0  Lord,  be  open  to  the 
prayers  of  Thy  humble  servants  ;  and  that  they  may 
obtain  their  petitions  make  them  to  ask  such  things 
as  shall  please  Thee  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

"  The  barrel  of  meal  shall  not  waste,  neither  shall  the 
erase  of  oil  fail." — I  Kings  xvii.  14. 

Our  God,  our  Father,  who  hadst  given 
Thine  own  and  only  Son  for  man, 

Ere  shone  the  faintest  star  in  heaven 
Or  earth  was  framed  or  time  began, 

And  chosen  us  in  Him  to  be 

His  Bride  for  all  eternity  ; — 

Thou,  who  hast  deign'd  for  us  to  build 

The  mansions  of  Jerusalem, 
With  all  Thy  gifts  of  goodness  fill'd 

And  rich  with  crystal  gold  and  gem, 
Whose  gates  and  walls  and  streets  declare 
One  glorious  name,  "  The  Lord  is  there  ;  n — 

Now  in  this  little  space  between 

Two  vast  eternities  of  love, 
This  narrow  isthmus  of  things  seen 

Thy  children  cross  to  rest  above, 
Wilt  Thou  refuse  to  be  our  Guide 
And  all  our  daily  needs  provide  ? 

K 


i3o  THE  TENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

O  shame  upon  the  faithless  heart 

Which  harbours  such  a  thought  of  Thee  ! 

My  God,  that  Thou  art  what  Thou  art 
Is  promise,  aye  and  proof  to  me 

While  passing  through  this  shadowy  vale 

The  cruse  of  oil  shall  never  fail. 

From  everlasting  I  am  Thine 

In  Thy  free  covenant  of  grace  ; 
To  everlasting  Thou  art  mine 

In  faith's  unchangeable  embrace: 
The  bond  Eternal  Wisdom  plann'd 
Is  held  in  Love's  Almighty  Hand. 


ELEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY,    131 


THE  ELEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :   1  Kings  xviii.,  xix.,  xxi. 
Epistle  :  I  Cor.  xv.  I — 12.  Gospel :  St.  Luke  xviii.  9 — 15. 

THE   COLLECT. 

0  GOD,  who  declarest  Thy  almighty  power  most 
chiefly  in  showing  mercy  and  pity  ;  Mercifully  grant 
unto  us  such  a  measure  of  Thy  grace,  that  we, 
running  the  way  of  Thy  commandments,  may 
obtain  Thy  gracious  promises,  and  be  made  par- 
takers of  Thy  heavenly  treasure  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     A7nen. 

"  The  God  that  answer eth  by  fire ,  let  Him  be  God." 
I  Kings  xviii.  24. 

Bring  hither  costliest  sacrifice  ; 

Slack  not  for  labour  or  for  price  ; 

Let  dance  and  revelry  combine 

To  kindle  this  dark  soul  of  mine  ; 

Be  garlands  pluck'd  of  choicest  flowers  ; 

Let  love  and  music  lend  their  powers  : — 

0  world,  O  self,  O  lordly  pride, 

If  only  your  mysterious  fires 
Enflame  and  feed  this  heart's  desires, 

1  ask  no  other  god  beside. 

Days  pass'd  and  years.     No  answer  came  ; 
The  altar  knew  no  quickening  flame  : 
No. light  was  there,  no  warmth,  no  fire, 
But  sparks  which,  as  they  flash,  expire  : 
Nothing  but  work  and  tortured  will  : 
My  soul  was  bare  and  dark  and  chill. 

K    2 


132   ELEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  wood  was  laid,  the  altar  built, 

The  victim  chosen,  bound,  and  slain  : 
All,  all  was  bitterly  in  vain 

To  chase  my  spirit's  gloom  and  guilt. 

In  that  my  hour  of  self-despair 
One  stood  beside  me  unaware. 
With  pierced  hands  and  pierced  feet, 
And  form  and  face  divinely  sweet 
He  drew  me  to  His  wounded  side, 
And  bade  me  there  my  anguish  hide. 
Lo,  silently  anew  He  rears 

The  ruin'd  altar  of  my  God  : 
He  sprinkles  it  with  precious  blood  ; 
I  weep  upon  it  floods  of  tears. 

Then  fell  the  sacred  fire  from  heaven  ; 
Then  heard  I  first  the  voice  "  Forgiven." 
And  ever  from  that  hour  of  love, 
Sustain'd  and  foster'd  from  above, 
Though  only  by  His  eye  discern'd, 
The  fire  within  my  heart  has  burn'd. 
I  love  Him,  for  He  first  loved  me  : 

The  God  who  answer'd  me  by  fire, 
My  one  delight,  my  one  desire, 
Shall  be  my  God  eternally. 


TWELFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.    133 

THE  TWELFTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons:  I  Kings  xxii.  1 — 41 ;  2  Kings  ii.  I — 16,  iv.  8 — 38. 
Epistle  :  2  Cor.  iii.  4 — 10.     Gospel :  St.  Mark  vii.  31, 

THE    COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  art  always 
more  ready  to  hear  than  we  to  pray,  and  art  wont  to 
give  more  than  either  we  desire  or  deserve  ;  Pour 
down  upon  us  the  abundance  of  Thy  mercy  ;  for- 
giving us  those  things  whereof  our  conscience  is 
afraid,  and  giving  us  those  good  things  which  we 
are  not  worthy  to  ask,  but  through  the  merits  and 
mediation  of  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son  our  Lord. 
A?nen. 

"  And  he  took  the  mantle  of  Elijah  that  fell  from  hitn, 
and  smote  the  waters,  and  said,  Where  is  the  Lord  God  of 
Elijah  ?  And  when  he  also  had  smitten  the  waters \  they 
parted  hither  and  thither;  and  E  lis  ha  went  over." — 
2  Kings  ii.  14. 

Where  is  our  fathers'  God, 
Our  fathers'  God  and  ours  ? 
For  o'er  the  desert  and  the  flood 
The  brooding  tempest  lowers. 

Still  nearer  and  more  near 
The  shadow  of  that  gloom ; 
Men's  hearts  are  failing  them  for  fear 
Of  the  dread  day  of  doom. 

Still  widow'd  Zion  mourns, 
Her  heart  and  garments  rent  ; 
And  Babylon  insensate  scorns 
Her  captive's  long  lament. 


134     TWELFTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER  TRIX1TY. 


Still  o'er  the  heathen  world 
Reign  darkness,  lust,  and  pride  : 
The  banner  of  the  Cross  is  furl'd, 
Where  martyrs  lived  and  died. 

What  is  that  cry  that  peals 
The  battle-field  along  ? 
Why  tarry  yet  Thy  chariot-wheels, 
How  long,  O  Lord,  how  long  ? 

O  God,  our  ears  have  heard 
Thy  wonders  wrought  of  old  : 
Be  it  according  to  Thy  word, 
Thy  suffering  saints  behold. 

Our  fathers  in  Thy  might 
Endured  till  set  of  sun  ; 
Then  pass'd  into  the  calmer  light, 
Their  work  and  warfare  done. 

Why  should  we  longer  stand 

In  doubt  beside  their  graves  ? 

Bid  us,  their  mantle  in  our  hand 

Smite  Jordan's  sullen  waves. 

Where  is  our  fathers'  God  ? 
His  name  has  cleft  the  river  : 
Dark  be  the  storm  o'er  field  and  flood, 
Their  God  is  ours  for  ever. 


THIRTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  135 


THE  THIRTEENTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  2  Kings  v.,  vi.  I — 24,  vii. 
Epistle  :  Gal.  iii.  16 — 23.     Gospel  :  St.  Luke  x.  23 — 38. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  merciful  God,  of  whose  only  gift  it 
cometh  that  Thy  faithful  people  do  unto  Thee  true 
and  laudable  service  ;  Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that 
we  may  so  faithfully  serve  Thee  in  this  life,  that  we 
fail  not  finally  to  attain  Thy  heavenly  promises 
through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

"  Then  went  he  down,  and  dipped  himself  'seven  times  in 
jfordan,  according  to  the  saying  of  the  man  of  God :  and 
his  flesh  came  again  like  unto  the  flesh  of  a  little  child,  and 
he  was  clean." — 2  Kings  v.  14. 

One  sate  beside  the  fretting  sea 

Which  chafed  the  rock  beneath  his  feet ; 

A  weary  world-worn  wanderer  he, 
Who  sought  the  calm  of  this  retreat  : 

And  now,  from  God  and  man  estranged, 

His  eye  the  waste  of  waters  ranged, 

The  while  in  drearier  solitude 

Life's  wildering  pathway  he  review'd. 

Far  off  in  sooth  a  golden  light 

Yet  linger'd  o'er  his  childhood's  years, 

Whereon  he  gazed  with  aching  sight, 

Half  dreaming,  through  the  mist  of  tears  : 


136 


THE  THIRTEENTH  SUNDAY 


A  father's  voice,  its  echoes  still 

His  broken  heart-strings  seem'd  to  thrill ; 

A  mother's  searching  tenderness, 

A  sister's  proud  and  fond  caress. 

The  vision  faded.     Soon,  too  soon 
Wild  passion  lit  his  soul  with  flame, 

And  dragg'd  him  ere  his  manhood's  noon 
Adown  the  slopes  of  sin  and  shame. 

Nor  was  the  ruin  all  his  own  ; 

He  was  not  perishing  alone  ; 

Wishing  and  saying  as  he  fell, 

u  There  is  no  God  nor  heaven  nor  hell.'' 

But  pleasure's  sparkling  cup  was  drain'd  ; 

The  prodigal  had  run  his  course  ; 
And  nothing  but  the  dregs  remain'd 

Of  self-contempt  and  soul-remorse. 
Alas,  the  ravages  of  sin, 
The  wreck  of  that  which  once  had  been, 
As  hopeless,  reckless,  desolate, 
Thus  musing  on  his  past  he  sate  ! 

But  thither,  as  it  chanced,  a  child, 

That  hung  upon  an  old  man's  hand 
And  often  caught  his  eye  and  smiled, 

Came  prattling  o'er  the  sca-ribb'd  sand. 
The  outcast  watch'd  them  ;  till  at  last, 
As  near  him  unawares  they  pass'd, 
"  Would  heaven  1  were  a  child  again,'' 
Broke  from  his  lips  in  bitter  pain. 

The  old  man  heard  the  low-breathed  moan 

And  saw  tears  brush'd  aside  ere  shed; 
Aral  seated  on  the  rugged  stone 

B€$ide  him  took  his  hand  and  said, 


AFTER  TRINITY.  137 

"  My  brother,  there  is  One,  whose  breast 
Yearns  o'er  thee.     Come  to  Him  and  rest; 
And  thy  torn  heart  once  more  shall  be 
Like  this  sweet  prattler's  on  my  knee." 

Enough  :  it  needs  not  here  to  tell 

The  charm  that  word  in  season  wrought  : 
God's  hand  is  used  to  miracle  ; 

God's  love  unbounded  by  our  thought. 
Enough  :  the  water  and  the  blood, 
That  on  the  cross  for  sinners  flow'd, 
Wash'd  from  that  heart  each  crimson  stain  : 
He  was  a  little  child  again. 


138  THE  FOURTEENTH 

THE  FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  2  Kings  ix.,  x.  I — 32,  xiii. 
Epistle:  Gal.  v.  16 — 25.     Gospel:  St.  Luke  xvii.  11 — 20. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  give  unto  us  the 
increase  of  faith,  hope,  and  charity  ;  and  that  we 
may  obtain  that  which  Thou  dost  promise,  make  us 
to  love  that  which  Thou  dost  command  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  Now  Elisha  was  fallen  sick  of  the  sickness  whereof  he 
died." — 2  Kings  xiii.  14. 

"  Thou  makest  the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and  even- 
ing to  praise  Thee"  [Ilcb.,  "to  sing"]. — Ps.  lxv.  8. 

And  is  there  then  no  psalm  in  tune 

With  all  the  majesty  of  noon, 

When  earth  receives  its  richest  dower 

Of  living  and  life-giving  power  ? 

Let  not  the  thought  a  moment  wrong 

That  everlasting  tide  of  song, 

Which  day  and  night  from  field  and  flood 

Arises  to  the  ear  of  God  ; 

JUit  morning  has  its  skies  and  dews 

Of  pearl  and  opal  all  its  own, 
And  evening's  Under  roseate  hues 

Are  in  meridian  light  unknown. 

Sweet  arc  the  laughter  and  the  love, 
Echoes  on  earth  of  joys  above, 
Which  lighten  on  the  passor-by 
In  childhood's  free  and  fearless  eve. 


SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  139 

Warm  is  the  throbbing  heart  of  youth, 
And  strong  the  wrestling  grasp  on  truth 
Which  stamps  the  years  of  manhood's  prime 
And  makes  the  lowliest  things  sublime  : 
But  haply  not  less  dear  to  heaven 

The  calm  victorious  faith  of  age, 
When  weary  travellers  at  even 

Lay  down  the  staff  of  pilgrimage. 

And  it  was  now  at  set  of  sun, 
His  long  day's  labour  almost  done, 
With  wan  worn  cheek  but  kindling  eye 
The  old  man  laid  him  down  to  die. 
Some  threescore  years  and  ten  had  pass'd 
Since  first  the  seer  his  mantle  cast 
Upon  him  by  his  father's  plough 
And  pour'd  the  oil  upon  his  brow, 
Long  years  of  mingled  weal  and  woe  ; 

And  yet  in  retrospect  they  seem 
A  vapour  lit  by  summer's  glow, 

A  fugitive  and  fading  dream. 

As  there  he  lay  in  tranquil  faith 
Before  the  shadowing  gates  of  death, 
What  are  those  royal  tears  that  shed 
Their  tribute  on  his  reverend  head  ? 
What  is  that  voice  that  mourns  to-day 
For  Israel's  chariot  rapt  away  ? 
It  may  not  be  :  his  latest  hour 
Shall  speak  his  God's  unchanging  power  : 
Lo,  thrice  the  monarch  strikes  the  ground, 

And  straightway  thrice  is  victory  given. 
Thrice  ?  unbelief  alone  can  bound 

The  proved  omnipotence  of  Heaven. 


140  FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

And  has  with  us  the  dewy  dawn 

Long  since  been  with  the  past  withdrawn  ; 

And  after  all  the  toil  of  noon 

Will  evening  fade  in  twilight  soon  ? 

O  Thou,  who  makest  morn  and  even 

Rich  with  the  choicest  hues  of  heaven, 

Cast  upon  us  Thy  beams  of  light 

And  clothe  us  with  Thy  Spirit's  might  ; 

And  it  may  be  ere  set  of  sun, 

Before  we  enter  into  rest, 
Our  latest  service  humbly  done 

May  be  our  faithfullest  and  best. 


FIFTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  141 


THE  FIFTEENTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  2  Kings  xviii.,  xix. ,  xxiii.  1 — 31. 
Epistle  :  Gal.  vi.  11.     Gospel:  St.  Matt.  vi.  24. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Keep,  we  beseech  Thee,  0  Lord,  Thy  Church 
with  Thy  perpetual  mercy  :  and  because  the  frailty 
of  man  without  Thee  cannot  but  fall,  keep  us  ever 
by  Thy  help  from  all  things  hurtful,  and  lead  us  to 
all  things  profitable  to  our  salvation  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

M  From  henceforth  let  no  man  trouble  me,  for  I  bear  in  my 
body  the  marks  of  the  Lord  Jesus." — Gal.  vi.  17. 

What  were  those  marks,  apostle  blest, 
Of  thy  dear  Lord  on  thee  impress'd, 
Marks  speaking  more  than  words  can  tell 
Of  sufferings  ineffaceable  ; 
Badges  of  honour  meekly  borne 

And  gladly  for  the  Master's  name, 
Which  baffled  all  the  proud  world's  scorn 

And  made  thee  glory  in  its  shame  ? 

Were  they  the  records  of  distress, 
Of  hunger,  cold  and  nakedness, 
Of  travel,  toil  and  misery, 
Of  desert  wilds  and  wrecks  by  sea  ? 
Were  they  the  deeply  graven  scars 

Of  scourges  and  the  lictor's  rod, 
Of  gyves  and  chains  and  prison  bars 

And  deaths  unnumber'd  dared  for  God  ? 


i42  FIFTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Or  were  they,  servant  of  the  Lord, 
His  tokens  whom  thy  soul  adored  ? 
The  signet  on  thy  mortal  brow 
Of  visions  none  had  seen  but  thou? 
The  dazzled  sight,  the  faltering  tongue, 

A  thorn  that  pierced  the  quivering  flesh, 
And,  though  thy  heart  to  Jesus  clung, 

Daily  drew  tears  of  blood  afresh  ? 

We  know  not  and  we  would  not  know 
The  secret  of  thy  human  woe  ; 
Still  let  the  tender  veil  be  drawn 
Till  break  of  heaven's  unclouded  dawn  : 
Enough  for  us,  those  graven  dints 

Were  marks  of  Jesus  on  thy  frame  ; 
Enough,  if  only  love's  imprints 

Stamp'd  on  our  bosom  are  the  same. 


SIXTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.    143 


THE  SIXTEENTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  2  Chron.  xxxvi.  ;  Neh.  L,  ii.  I — 9,  viii. 
Epistle:  Ephes.  iii.  13.     Gospel:  St.  Luke  vii.  11 — 18. 

THE  COLLECT. 

O  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  let  Thy  continual  pity 
cleanse  and  defend  Thy  Church  ;  and  because  it 
cannot  continue  in  safety  without  Thy  succour, 
preserve  it  evermore  by  Thy  help  and  goodness  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  The  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of  whom  the 
whole  family  hi  heaven  and  ea*-th  is  named." — Ephes. 
iii.  14,  15. 

Ours  is  the  grief  who  still  are  left  in  this  far  wilder- 
ness, 

Which  will  at  times,  now  they  are  gone,  seem  blank 
and  comfortless. 

For  moments  spent  with  loving  hearts  are  breezes 
from  the  hills 

And  the  balm  of  Christian  brotherhood  like  Eden:s 
dew  distils  ; 

And  we,  whose  footsteps  and  whose  hearts  so  often 
fail  and  faint, 

Seem  ill  to  spare  the  cheering  voice  of  one  departed 
saint. 

But  oh,  we  sorrow  not  like  those  whom  no  bright 

hopes  sustain, 
For  them  who  sleep  in  Jesus,  God  will  with  Him 

bring  again. 


141   SIXTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Love  craves  the  presence  and  the  sight  of  all  its 

well  beloved, 
And  therefore  weep  we  in  the  homes  whence  they 

are  far  removed  ; 
Love  craves  the  presence  and  the  sight  of  each 

beloved  one, 
And  therefore  Jesus  spake  the  word  which  caught 

them  to  His  throne  ; 
"  Father,  I  will  that  all  Mine  own,  whom  Thou  hast 

granted  Me, 
Be  with  Me  where  I  am  to  share  My  glory's  bliss 

with  Thee." 

Thus  heaven  is  gathering,  one  by  one,  in  its  capa- 
cious breast, 

All  that  is  pure  aud  permanent,  and  beautiful  and 
blest  ; 

The  family  is  scatter'd  yet,  though  of  one  home  and 
heart, 

Part  militant  in  earthly  gloom,  in  heavenly  glory 
part. 

But  who  can  speak  the  rapture,  when  the  circle  is 
complete, 

And  all  the  children  sundcr'd  now  around  one 
Father  meet  ? 

One  fold,  one  Shepherd,  one  employ,  one  everlast- 
ing home  : 

"  Lo,  I  come  quickly  !  '5  "  Even  so,  Amen.  Lord 
Jesu,  come  ! " 


SEVENTEENTH  SUN.  AFTER  TRINITY.    145 


THE  SEVENTEENTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  Jer. . ,  xxii. ,  v  xxxv. 
Epistle:  Ephes.  iv.  1 — 7.     Gospel:  St.  Luke  xiv.  I — 12. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Lord,  we  pray  Thee  that  Thy  grace  may  always 
prevent  and  follow  us,  and  make  us  continually  to 
be  given  to  all  good  works  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  There  is  one  body,  and  one  Spirit,  even  as  ye  are  called 
in  one  hope  of  your  calling;  one  Lord,  one  faith,  one 
baptism,  one  God  and  Father  of  all,  who  is  above  all, 
and  through  all,  and  in  you  all." — Ephes.  iv.  4 — 6. 

Holy  Father,  hear  me  ; 

Thou  art  my  Defender  ; 
Be  Thou  ever  near  me, 

Loving,  true,  and  tender. 

Jesu,  blessed  Master, 

Lord  of  life  and  glory, 
Bid  the  hours  fly  faster, 

Till  I  kneel  before  Thee. 

Comforter  benignest, 

Tabernacling  in  me, 
Thou  my  need  divinest  : 

Move  me,  draw  me,  win  me. 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy, 

Come  and  leave  me  never, 

Thine  abode  most  lowly, 
Only  Thine  for  ever. 


1 46  THE  EIGHTEENTH  SUNDA  Y 


THE  EIGHTEENTH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons:  Jer.  xxxvi. ;  Ezek.  ii.,  xiii.  I — 17. 
Epistle  :   I  Cor.  i.  4—9.     Gospel:  St.  Matt.  xxii.  34. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Lord,  we  beseech  Thee,  grant  Thy  people  grace 
to  withstand  the  temptations  of  the  world,  the  flesh, 
and  the  devil,  and  with  pure  hearts  and  minds  to 
follow  Thee  the  only  God ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

"So  that  ye  come  behind  in  no  gift  ,•  waiting  for  the 
coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  who  shall  also  confirm 
you  unto  the  endy  that  ye  may  be  blameless  in  the  day  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ" — I  Cor.  i.  7,  8. 

Long  years  I  wander'd  far  astray, 
Long  years  the  paths  of  sorrow  trod, 

Still  overshadow'd  day  by  day 
By  love,  the  patient  love  of  God. 

The  time  of  mercy  came  at  last, 

His  sheep  the  Shepherd  sought  and  found  ; 
And,  as  He  smiled  and  homeward  pass'd, 

By  love  omnipotence  was  crown'd. 

He  brought  me  to  His  shelter'd  fold, 
He  wash'd  in  blood  my  miry  fleece, 

And  guided  me  with  love  untold 
In  ways  of  pleasantness  and  peace. 


AFTER  TRINITY,  147 

Alas,  this  wayward  heart  of  mine 

Too  often  wounds  its  tenderest  Friend  ; 

But  that  unchanging  heart  of  Thine 
Loves  its  beloved  ones  to  the  end. 

And  love  must  realize  its  best  : 
Love  cannot  fail  of  love's  design  : 

The  child  must  find  the  Father's  breast  : 
The  human  must  become  divine  : 

And  then  no  wrinkle  on  her  brow, 
No  blush  of  shame,  of  tears  no  trace, 

Thy  Bride  who  sees  Thee  dimly  now 
Unveil'd  shall  see  Thee  face  to  face. 

O  rapturous  gaze  surpassing  thought, 

Which  writes  Thy  likeness  on  Thine  own; 

A  likeness  near  and  nearer  wrought, 
And  perfected  before  the  Throne. 


L  2 


THE  NINETEENTH  SUNDAY 


7  HE  NINETEENTH  SUN  DA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons:  Ezek.  xiv.,  xviii.,  xxiv.  15. 
Epistle:  Ephes.  iv.  17  —  32.     Gospel:  St.  Matt.  ix.  I—  9. 

THE  COLLFXT. 

0  God,  forasmuch  as  without  Thee  we  are  not  able 
to  please  Thee  ;  Mercifully  grant,  that  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  may  in  all  things  direct  and  rule  our  hearts  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Am 01. 

"  Cast  away  from  you  all  your  transgressions  whereby 

ye  have  transgressed ;  and  make  you  a  new  heart  and  a 
neiu  spirit :  for  why  will  ye  die,  0  house  of  Israel?" — 
Ezek.  xviii.  31. 

Why  will  ye  die  ?  the  question  breaks 
On  the  world's  slumbers  as  of  old  ; 

And  many  a  weary  bosom  aches 

With  strange  deep  yearnings  uncontroll'd, 

But  cannot,  dare  not  answer,  why 

It  chooses,  not  to  live,  but  die. 

Can  pleasure  with  its  witching  powers, 

Its  fleeting  lights,  its  idle  mirth, 
Fulfil  these  craving  hearts  of  ours 

That  know  and  feel  their  heavenly  birth  ; 
Or  stand  the  scrutiny  besought 
In  one  still  hour  of  steadfast  thought  ? 

Can  rank  and  riches,  pomp  and  pride, 
With  all  the  homage  they  command, 

And  all  the  treasure  trove  beside 
Which  1<  arning  gleans  from  every  land, 

Build  up  a  lordly  citadel 

In  which  the  soul  of  man  may  dwell  ? 


AFTER  TRINITY.  149 

Can  sin  with  its  wild  maddening  sense 

Of  freedom  fetterless  by  law, 
Which  smiles  on  trampled  innocence 

And  scorns  the  rule  of  holy  awe, 
Be  always  in  the  sinners  breast 
A  well-spring  of  delight  and  rest  ? 

What  mean  then  all  those  bitter  cries 

Re-echoing  creation's  moan, 
The  wail  of  many  centuries, 

And  haply  loudest  in  our  own, 
So  loud  and'  bitter  one  might  dream 
They  marr'd  the  songs  of  seraphim  ? 

What  mean  they  ?  but  that  man  is  great, 
Too  great,  too  nobly  plann'd,  too  high, 

In  God  s  similitude  create, 
For  aught  but  God  to  satisfy  ? 

What  mean  they  ?  guilt  if  unforgiven 

Would  make  a  very  hell  of  heaven. 

Why  will  ye  die  ?  the  Spirit  pleads 

With  you  who  long  have  grieved  His  love  ; 

And  Christ  in  glory  intercedes 
As  Priest  upon  the  throne  above. 

O  men,  your  Father  asks  you,  Why 

You  wound  H  is  heart  and  will  to  die  ? 


150  THE   TWENTIETH  SUNDAY 


THE  TWENTIETH  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  Ezek.  xxxiv.,  xxxvii.  ;  Daniel  i. 

Epistle  :  Ephes.  v.  15—22.     Gospel  :   St.  Matt.  xxii. 

1-15. 

THE    COLLECT. 

0  Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  of  Thy  boun- 
tiful goodness  keep  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  from  all 
things  that  may  hurt  us  ;  that  we,  being  ready  both 
in  body  and  soul,  may  cheerfully  accomplish  those 
things  that  Thou  wouldest  have  done  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

1  *  Singing  and  making  melody  in  your  heart  to  the 
Lord." — Ephes.  v.  19. 

0  Master  of  the  fount  of  symphonies, 
Who  drinkest  in  the  music  of  the  skies, 

Enshrined  in  song  alway, 
My  spirit's  harp  is  tuneless  and  unstrung, 
And  broken  words  cling  to  my  faltering  tongue  : 

Hear  me  and  help,  I  pray. 

Lay  Thou  Thy  hand  of  gentlest  love  Divine 
Upon  these  jarr'd  and  loosen'd  chords  of  mine, 

And  tune  them  to  Thy  will. 
As  likes  Thee,  deal  with  this  poor  instrument  ; 
Thine  is  the  counsel,  mine  but  the  consent  ; 

1  would  be  only  still. 

Thou  wilt  not  pain  this  frail  heart  overmuch  ; 

1  know  Thy  thoughtful  tenderness  of  touch, 

Thy  power  to  read  me  through  : 


AFTER  TRINITY.  151 

J  only  ask  Thee,  dearest  Lord,  when  once 
The  quivering  strings  are  true  in  their  response, 
To  keep  them  ever  true. 

Then  let  my  life  from  morn  to  evensong 
On  earth  the  melodies  of  heaven  prolong, 

In  trouble  or  in  calm  : 
J  ask  no  more,  if  Thy  most  gracious  Ear 
jDiscern  in  accents  tremulous  or  clear 

One  low  melodious  psalm, 


[52  THE  TWENTY-FIRST  SUNDAY 


THE  TWENTY-FIRST  SUNDA  Y  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  Daniel  hi.,  iv.,  v. 
Epistle:  Ephes.  vi.  10 — 21.     Gospel:  St.  John  iv.  46. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  merciful  Lord,  to  Thy 
faithful  people  pardon  and  peace,  that  they  may  be 
cleansed  from  all  their  sins,  and  serve  Thee  with  a 
quiet  mind  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

1  *  Your  feet  shod  with  the  preparation  of  the  Gospel  of 
PeaceP — Ephes.  vi.  15. 

''''Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for  Him*1 — 
Ps.  xxxvii.  7. 

Rest  in  the  Lord  ;  rest  weary  heart, 

With  sin  and  sorrow  worn, 
And  conscience  rankling  with  the  smart 

Of  pitiless  self-scorn  ; 
Oh,  counting  all  beside  but  loss, 

Climb  Calvary's  lowly  hill, 
And  there  beneath  the  bleeding  cross 
Rest,  and  be  still. 

Rest  in  the  Lord  ;  what  time  the  storm 

Around  thy  pathway  raves, 
Behold  His  calm  majestic  form 

Serenely  walks  the  waves  ; 

And  hark  !  that  tranquil  voice  is  heard 

Which  winds  and  waxes  fulfil  ; 
Oh,  rest  upon  His  changeless  word; 
Rest,  and  be  still. 


AFTER  TRINITY.  153 

Rest  in  the  Lord  ;  although  the  sands 

Of  life  are  running  low, 
Though  clinging  hearts  and  clasping  hands 

May  not  detain  thee  now: 
His  hand  is  on  thee  ;  death's  alarms 

Can  never  work  thee  ill : 
Rest  on  His  everlasting  arms  ; 
Rest,  and  be  still. 

Rest  in  the  Lord  :  no  conflicts  more, — 

The  latest  labour  done  ; 
The  weary  strife  for  ever  o'er, 

The  crown  for  ever  won. 
Beside  the  crystal  stream,  that  flows 

From  Zion's  heavenly  hill, 

Rest  in  eternal  Love's  repose ; 

Rest,  and  be  still. 


154       THE  TWENTY-SECOND  SUNDAY 


THE  TWENTY-SECOND  SUNDAY 
AFTER  TRINITY, 

Lessons  :  Daniel  vi.,  vii.  9,  xii. 
Epistle  :  Phil.  i.  3  —  12.     Gospel  :  St.  Matt,  xviii.  21. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  to  keep  Thy  household  the 
Church  in  continual  godliness  ;  that  through  Thy 
protection  it  may  be  free  from  all  adversities,  and 
devoutly  given  to  serve  Thee  in  good  works,  to  the 
glory  of  Thy  Name ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     A?nen. 

u  And  many  of 'them  which  sleep  in  the  dust  of  the  earth 
shall  awake,  some  to  everlasting  life,  and  some  to  shame 
and  everlasting  contempt :  and  they  that  be  7oise  shall  shine 
as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament,  and  they  that  turn 
many  to  righteousness  as  the  stars  for  ever  and  ever." — 
Daniel  xii.  2,  3. 

Life,  life,  eternal  life  : 
My  spirit  craves  to  know 
Its  calm  amid  the  feverish  strife 
Of  shadows  here  below. 

The  world  with  all  its  bloom, 
Its  laughter  and  its  song, 
Throws  garlands  only  on  the  tomb  : 
It  cannot  last  for  long. 

Life,  life  :  it  is  not  found 
In  depths  of  human  lore, 

And  science  with  fresh  laurels  crown'd 
Is  faint  with  thirst  for  more. 


AFTER  TRINITY,  155 

"  For  ever  " — who  shall  climb 
The  height  that  scans  that  sea  ? 
Or  gaze  unblench'd  from  passing  time 
On  dread  eternity  ? 

O  Jesu,  Thou  alone 
The  living  fountain  art, 
A  well  of  rapture  all  its  own 
Within  the  contrite  heart. 

My  Saviour,  let  me  drink 
Of  Thee  until  I  stand 
Beside  the  crystal  river's  brink 
In  heaven  my  fatherland. 


156         THE  TWENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY 

THE  TWENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY  ABTER 

TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  Hosea  xiv. ;  Joel  ii.  21,  iii.  9. 

Epistle:  Phil.  iii.  17.     Gospel:  St.  Matt.  xxii.  1$ — 23. 

THE   COLLECT. 

0  God,  our  refuge  and  strength,  who  art  the  author 
of  all  godliness;  Be  ready,  we  beseech  Thee,  to  hear 
the  devout  prayers  of  Thy  Church;  and  grant  that 
those  things  which  we  ask  faithfully  we  may  obtain 
effectually  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

"  1 will heal their  backsliding,  I  will  love  them  freely : 
for  Aline  anger  is  turned  away  from  Jiim  :  I  will  be  as 
the  dew  unto  Israeli — Hosea  xiv.  4,  5. 

^Let  my  Beloved  come  into  His  garden?' — Song  iv.  16. 

"A  rude  unthankful  plot,  that  ill  repays 

My  labour  ;  rich  in  promise,  scant  in  yield  : 

Its  myrtles  choked  with  wild  convolvulus  ; 

Its  vines  tangled  with  briars,  its  choice  trees 

Hoary  with  lichen,  and  its  flowering  beds 

With  mosses  overgrown  and  waving  ferns  : 

And  where  the  fruit  should  mellow  on  the  wall 

The  ivy  hugs  the  stones.     And  yet  the  sun 

Shines  on  this  hollow  all  the  summer  day, 

And  here  the  night  clouds  shed  their  kindliest  dews. 

Weeds  ripen  ;  but  the  fruits  and  flowers,  alas, 

Are  few  and  far  and  matted  with  thick  leaves. 

It  hath  been  so  for  years.     Must  it  be  so 

For  ever  ;  life's  for  ever  ?     I  have  wept 

Warm  showers  of  tears  upon  its  idle  soil, 

And  labour'd  early  and  late  taken  rest  j 

It  boots  not.      1  can  do  110  more  ;    it  needs 

A  stronger  arm,  a  deeper  skill  than  mine. 
()  Thou,  the  only  Husbandman  of  hearts, 
Stand,  Lord, no  longer  at  the  wicket.      See, 


AFTER  TRINITY.  157 

I  draw  the  bar,  I  throw  the  latch-gate  wide ; 
Come,  Lord,  in  all  Thy  tenderness  and  power, 
And  dress  and  keep  my  garden  for  Thine  own.'' 

"  But  if  I  enter  at  thy  cry,  My  child, 

I  must  pluck  up  full  many  a  pleasant  weed, 

And  prune  away  full  many  a  wayward  branch, 

And  disentwine  full  many  a  tendril's  clasp, 

And  tear  the  ivy  from  its  nest,  and  train 

The  bleeding  fruit-bough  to  the  ripening  south, 

And  haply  must  transplant  some  drooping  flowers, 

Some  of  thy  choicest  treasures,  from  this  soil 

To  My  own  mansion.     I  must  come  as  Lord 

And  Master  of  thy  Eden,  if  I  come. 

My  pruning-knife  is  keen,  My  hand  is  firm. 

Say,  shall  1  linger  at  the  wicket-gate, 

Or  enter  at  thy  prayer  ?  n 

"  Come  in,  Lord,  come  ! 
Thy  pruning-knife  is  keen,  Thy  hand  is  firm, 
But,  Lord,  Thy  heart  is  tremulous  with  love  ; 
And  Thou  hast  known  the  bitterness  of  tears  : 
Thou  wilt  not  break  the  bruised  reed  for  naught, 
Thou  wilt  not  wound  the  shrinking  plant  in  vain. 
Ask  what  Thou  wilt,  I  would  not  say  Thee  nay  ; 
Do  only  as  Thou  wilt  with  me  and  mine. 
Thy  will  is  only  to  make  earth  as  heaven  ; 
And  if  Thou  deignest  here  to  fix  Thy  home 
And  shed  Thy  benison  upon  the  flowers 
Thyself  art  planting,  watching,  watering  ; 
Or  even,  after  lapse  of  many  days, 
To  pluck  some  fruitage  from  Thy  husbandry  ; 
Surely  my  ruin'd  Eden  would  be  yet 
Part  of  God's  Paradise.     Come  in,  Lord  !  come 
To-day,  Lord,  not  to-morrow.     Oh,  come  now  !  n 

"  I  am  within  thy  garden  ;  let  Me  work." 


158        THE  TWENTY-FOURTH  SUNDAY 


THE  T  WENTY-FO  UR  TH  S  UN  DA  Y 
AFTER  TRINITY. 

Lessons  :  Amos  iii.,  v.,  ix. 
Epistle  :  Col.  i.  3—13.     Gospel:  St.  Matt.  ix.  18—27. 

THE    COLLECT. 

0  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  absolve  Thy  people  from 
their  offences  ;  that  through  Thy  bountiful  goodness 
we  may  all  be  delivered  from  the  bands  of  those 
sins,  which  by  our  frailty  we  have  committed  : 
Grant  this,  O  heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake,  our  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour.     A?nen. 

11  Strengthened  with  all  might \  acco?'dingto  His  glorious 
power,  unto  all  patience  and  longsuffering  with  joyful' 
ness" — Col.  i.  II. 

"  Those  members  of  the  body  which  seem  to  be  more 
feeble  are  necessary/' — I  Cor.  xii.  22. 

11  My  work  is  done,  I  lay  me  down  to  die 
Weary  and  travel-worn  I  long  for  rest, 
Speak  but  the  word,  dear  Master,  and  I  fly, 
A  dove  let  loose,  to  nestle  in  Thy  breast." 
"  Not  yet,  My  child,  a  little  longer  wait, 
I  need  thy  prayerful  watch  at  glory's  gate." 

11  But,  Lord,  I  have  no  strength  to  watch  and  pray, 

My  spirit  is  benumb'd,  and  dim  my  sight, 
And  I  shall  grieve  Thy  watchful  love,  as  they 
Who  in  the  garden  slept  that  Paschal  night." 
"  My  child,  I  need  thy  weakness  hour  by  hour, 
To    prove    in     Me,    thy    strengthlessness    is 
power.'5 


AFTER  TRINITY.  159 

"Not  for  myself  alone,  I  urge  the  suit, 

But  loved  ones  lose  for  me  life's  priceless  bloom, 
And  tender,  patient,  uncomplaining,  mute, 

Wear  out  their  joyance  in  my  darkened  room.'* 
11  Enough,  My  child,  I  need  their  love  to  thee  : 
Around  thy  couch,  they  minister  to  Me." 

u  It  is  enough,  dear  Master  ;  yea,  Amen, 
I  will  not  breathe  one  murmur  of  reply, 
Only  fulfil  Thy  work  in  me,  and  then 

Call  me  and  bid  me  answer — '  Here  am  I.,a 
"  My  child,  the  sign  I  waited  for  is  given, 
Thy    work     is    done,    I    need    thee    now   in 
heaven." 


i6o  THE  SUNDA  V  NEXT 


THE  SUNDA  Y  NEXT  BEFORE 
ADVENT. 

Lessons:  Eccles.  xi.  and  xii. ;   Hag.  ii.  I — 10  ; 
Mai.  iii.  and  iv. 
For  the  Epistle  :  Jer.  xxiii.  5 — 9.     Gospel  :  St.  John 
vi.  5-15. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Stir  up,  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Lord,  the  wills  of  Thy 
faithful  people ;  that  they,  plenteously  bringing 
forth  the  fruit  of  good  works,  may  of  Thee  be  plen- 
teously rewarded  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

"  Or  ever  the  silver  cord  be  loosed,  or  the  golden  boivl  be 
broken,  or  the  pitcher  be  broken  at  the  fountain,  or  the 
wheel  broken  at  the  cistern." — Eccles.  xii.  6. 

u  Even  to  your  old  age  I  am  He,  and  even  to  hoar  hairs 
will  I  carry  you.''1 — Isaiah  xlvi.  4. 

Is  thy  journey,  aged  pilgrim, 

Great,  too  great  for  thee  ? 
Pleads  a  tenderer  voice  than  angels, 
"  Come  to  Me. 

M  Traveller  of  many  summers, 

Of  the  silvery  hair, 
Wrinkled  brow,  and  eye  betraying 
Years  of  care. 

"  Come  to  Me  ;   I  know  thy  burdens, 

Failing  strength  and  heart  ; 
Trust  thyself  to  One  who  loves  thee 
As  thou  art. 


BEFORE  ADVENT.  161 

u  I  have  trodden  life's  rough  pathway  ; 

I  its  toil  have  known  ; 
Trodden  it  with  bleeding  footstep, 
Faint,  alone. 

"  Long  thy  staff  thy  only  comrade 

Day  and  night  hath  been  ; 
Now  thy  strength  to  grasp  it  fails  thee, 
On  Me  lean. 

11  Everlasting  Arms  are  round  thee, 

Thine  My  pillowing  breast  : 
I  will  be  thy  Rock  and  Refuge  : 
I  thy  Rest. 

"  Through  the  depths  of  Jordan  onward, 

Through  the  dread  To  be, 
Yes,  for  ever  and  for  ever 
I  am  He." 


If  there  be  any  more  Sundays  before  Advent  Sunday,  the 
Service  of  some  of  those  Sundays  that  were  omitted  after 
the  Epiphany  shall  be  taken  in  to  supply  so  many  as  are 
here  wanting.  And  if  there  be  fewer,  the  overplus  may 
be  omitted :  Provided  that  this  last  Collect,  Epistle,  and 
Gospel  shall  always  be  used  upon  the  Sunday  next  before 
Advent.      (Rubric.) 


1 62  SAINT  ANDRE  IV  S  DA  V. 

SAINT  ANDREWS  DA  Y. 

Lessons  :   Isaiah  liv.,  lxv.  1  — 17  ;  St.  John  i.  35 — 43, 
xii.  20 — 42. 
Epistle  :  Rom.  x.  9.     Gospel  :  St.  Matt.  iv.  18—21. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  didst  give  such  grace  unto 
Thy  holy  Apostle  Saint  Andrew,  that  he  readily 
obeyed  the  calling  of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and 
followed  Him  without  delay  ;  Grant  unto  us  all, 
that  we,  being  called  by  Thy  holy  Word,  may  forth- 
with give  up  ourselves  obediently  to  fulfil  Thy  holy 
commandments  ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

"  Again  the  next  day  after  John  stood,  and  two  of  his 
disciples  ;  and  looking  upon  Jesus  as  He  walked,  he  saith, 
Behold  the  Lamb  of  God!  " — St.  John  i.  35,  36. 

Not  far  from  Jordan's  ford 

Unknown  a  Stranger  trod, 
When  lo,  the  voice  reveals  the  Word, 

Behold  the  Lamb  of  God. 

O  true  and  living  Bread  ! 

O  present  Paschal  Feast  ! 
The  One  who  liveth  and  was  dead : 

The  Victim  and  the  Priest. 

Upon  the  Throne  of  thrones, 

Where  cherubim  adore. 
And  prostrate  ciders  cast  their  crowns 

And  worship  evermore, 

Behold  the  Heavenly  Lamb, 

As  on  the  altar  slain, 
There  with  the  Infinite  I  AM, 

Is  seen  to  rest  and  reign. 


SAINT  ANDRE WS  DAY.  163 

Amid  the  white-robed  choirs, 

Who  with  their  waves  of  song 
And  melodies  of  golden  lyres 

The  steeps  of  Zion  throng, 

The  Shepherd  King  appears, 

Who  gave  His  life  for  them  : 
The  Crucified  is  crown'd,  and  wears 

Love's  peerless  diadem. 

Hark  the  joy  bells  of  home, 

Ringing  eternal  life  ! 
The  marriage  of  the  Lamb  is  come  : 

He  claims  His  holy  wife. 

What  lies  beyond  no  heart 

Of  pilgrim  can  conceive  : 
O  Christ,  we  know  Thee  Who  Thou  art  : 

Heaven  meets  who  heaven  believe. 


M    2 


1 64        SAINT  THOMAS  THE  APOSTLE. 


SAINT  THOMAS  THE  APOSTLE. 

Lessons  :  Job  xlii.  I — 7  ;  Isaiah  xxxv.  ;    St.  John  xx. 

19—24,  xiv.  1—8. 

Epistle  :  Ephes.  ii.  19.     Gospel :  St.  John  xx.  24. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  everliving  God,  who  for  the  more  con- 
firmation of  the  faith  didst  surfer  Thy  holy  Apostle 
Thomas  to  be  doubtful  in  Thy  Son's  resurrec- 
tion ;  Grant  us  so  perfectly,  and  without  all  doubt, 
to  believe  in  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  that  our  faith 
in  Thy  sight  may  never  be  reproved.  Hear  us,  O 
Lord,  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom,  with 
Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honour  and  glory, 
now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 

u  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Thomas,  because  thou  hast  seen 
Me,  thou  hast  believed :  blessed  are  they  that  hare  not  seen, 
and  yet  have  believed." — St.  John  xx.  29. 

The  Paschal  feast  was  ended.     Multitudes, 
Unweeting  what  was  done,  that  day  had  left 
The  gates  of  Zion  for  their  far-off  homes  ; 
And  there  was  silence,  where  but  yesterday 
Had  been  the  hum  of  thousands.     Olivet 
Slept  calmly  underneath  the  waning  moon, 
And  darkening  shadows  fell  across  the  steeps 
And  hollows  of  Jerusalem.     D  ?ep  night 
Had  drench'd  the  eyes  of  thousands.     But,  behold, 
Within  the  upper  room  where  Jesus  broke 
The  bread  of  life,  and  pour'd  the  mystic  wine 
The  night  before  He  suffered,  once  again 
The  little  band  of  those  who  loved  Him  most 


SAINT  THOMAS  THE  ATOSTLE.         165 

Were  gathered.    On  the  morrow  morn  they  thought 
To  leave  the  holy  city,  holier  now 
Than  ever  in  their  eyes,  and  go  to  meet 
Their  Lord  upon  the  Galilean  hill. 

All  bosoms  swell'd  with  gla dness,  all  save  one  ; 
One  heart  amid  that  group  of  light  and  love 
Was  desolate  and  dark  :  nine  wearv  days 
Of  doubt,  which  shadow'd  all  eternity, 
Had  written  years  of  suffering  on  his  brow. 
The  worst  he  fear'd  to  him  was  realized, 
Life    quench'd,    for    ever     quench'd,    and    death 

supreme. 
Jesus  was  dead.     And  vainly  others  told, 
How  they  had  seen  and  heard  their  risen  Lord  ; 
Himself  had  seen  the  lifeless  body  hang 
Upon  the  cross  ;   and.  till  he  saw  like  them 
And  like  them  touch'd  the  prints  in  hands  and  side, 
He  would  not,  for  he  could  not,  hope  again. 

But  there  has  been  enough  of  sorrow  now 
For  that  true  mourner,  sorely  tried  but  true: 
And  as  thev  communed  of  an  absent  Lord 
Jesus  was  there,  though  doors  were  shut  and  barr'd, 
There  in  the  midst  of  them  ;  and  from  His  lips, 
Who  is  Himself  our  Peace,  the  words  of  peace 
Fell  as  of  old  like  dew  on  every  heart, 
But  surely  sweetest,  calmest,  tenderest 
On  one  most  torn  and  tost.     The  waves  were  still  ; 
Day  broke  ;  the  shadows  fled  :  nor  this  alone, 
Love  offer' d  all  which  bitterest  grief  had  ask'd, 
And  laying  bare  the  inly  bleeding  wound 
Heal'd  it,  which  haply  else  had  bled  afresh 
In  after  years,  till  faith  adoring  claim'd 


1 66         SAINT  THOMAS  THE  APOSTLE. 

In  One,  whom  sense  no  longer  sought  to  touch, 
The  Lord  of  life,  the  everlasting  God. 

O  Master,  though  our  eyes  have  never  look'd 
Upon  Tby  blessed  face  and  glorious  form, 
Grant  us  to  trust  Thee  with  a  perfect  trust. 
And  love  Thee  and  rejoice  in  Thee  unseen, 
And  prove  the  heaven  of  Thy  beatitude 
On  those  who,  though  they  see  Thee  not,  believe. 


THE  CONVERSION  OF  SAINT  PAUL.    167 


THE  CONVERSION  OF  SAINT  PAUL. 

Lessons:    Isaiah  xlix.  I  — 13  ;  Jer.  i.   1  — 11  ;  Gal.  i.  11  ; 

Acts  xxvi.  1 — 21. 

For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  ix.  1 — 23.     Gospel :  St.  Matt. 

xix.  27. 

THE   COLLECT. 

O  GOD,  who  through  the  preaching  of  the  blessed 
Apostle  Saint  Paul,  hast  caused  the  light  of  the 
Gospel  to  shine  throughout  the  world  ;  Grant,  we 
beseech  Thee,  that  we,  having  his  wonderful  con- 
version in  remembrance,  may  show  forth  our  thank- 
fulness unto  Thee  for  the  same,  by  following  the 
holy  doctrine  which  he  taught  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"Arise,  and  go  into  the  street  which  is  called  Straight, 
and  enquire  in  the  house  of  Judas  for  one  called  Saul,  of 
Tarsus  :  for,  behold,  he  prayeth" — Acts  ix.  11. 

A  sinner,  wrestling  in  his  guilt, 
"  Forgive,  Thou  canst,  Lord,  if  Thou  wilt, 
Whose  life-blood  for  my  soul  was  spilt  : n 
Behold,  he  prays. 

A  child,  compell'd  by  love  to  press 
Still  nearer  to  Thy  holiness. 
Who  cries,  u  Bless  me,  my  Father,  bless  : " 
Behold,  he  prays. 

A  saint,  whose  heart's  compassions  yearn 
To  see  the  prodigals  return 
And  lost  ones  all  Thy  mercy  learn  : 
Behold,  he  prays. 


1 68     THE  CONVERSION  OF  SAINT  PAUL. 

A  herald  of  the  love  of  God, 
Whose  footsteps,  dew'd  with  tears  and  blood, 
Through  the  wide  world  unwearied  trod  : 
Behold,  he  prays. 

A  sufferer  beneath  the  cross, 
Whose  gold  is  daily  fined  from  dross, 
For  Jesus  counting  all  things  loss: 
Behold,  he  prays. 

A  wayfarer  whose  course  is  run, 
The  Jordan  flush'd  at  set  of  sun, 
And  blessed  Canaan  almost  won  : 
Behold,  he  prays. 

Oh,  voice  of  prayer  !  Oh,  voice  of  song 
Borne  through  the  gates  of  heaven  along  ! 
Amid  the  everlasting  throng, 
Behold,  he  prays. 

Written  at  Damascus,  1881. 


PURIFICATION  OF  THE  VIRGIN  MARY,  169 
THE  PRESENT  A  T10N  OF  CHRIST  IN  THE  TEMPLE 

COMMONLY  CALLED 

THE  PURIFICATION  OF  SAINT  MARY 
THE  VIRGIN. 

Lessons  :  Exod.  xiii.  1—  17  ;  Hag.  ii.  1 — 10. 

For  the  Epistle  :  Mai.  iii.  1—6.     Gospel  :  St.  Luke  ii. 

22-41. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Almighty  and  everliving  God,  we  humbly  be- 
seech Thy  Majesty,  that  as  Thy  only-begotten  Son 
was  this  day  presented  in  the  temple  in  substance 
of  our  flesh,  so  we  may  be  presented  unto  Thee 
with  pure  and  clean  hearts,  by  the  same  Thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

"  And  when  the  days  of  her  purification  according  to 
the  laiv  of  Moses  were  accomplished^  they  brought  Him  to 
Jerusalem  to  present  Him  to  the  lord;  .  .  .  a?id  to  offer 
a  sacrifice  according  to  that  which  is  said  in  the  law  of 
the  lord,  A  pair  of  turtledoves,  or  two  young  pigeons." — 
St.  Luke  ii.  22—24. 

Upon  the  virgin  mother's  breast 

Asleep  the  Holy  Infant  lay, 
As  fill'dwith  awe  His  parents  press'd 

Into  the  temple  courts  to  pray. 

Sure  never  gifts  of  costlier  price 

Were  offerd  at  the  throne  of  prayer, 

Since  Abel's  earliest  sacrifice, 
Than  they  that  hour  presented  there. 


170  THE  PURIFICATION  OF 

The  tribute  of  their  humble  vow  ; 

The  doves  which  breathed  of  sin  forgiven  ; 
The  calm  of  Joseph's  saintly  brow, 

Reflecting  all  the  peace  of  heaven  ; 

The  mother's  mystery  of  bliss 
In  giving  up  to  God  her  Child, 

When  at  her  gentle  reverent  kiss 

Incarnate  Love  look'd  up  and  smiled  ; 

For  as  the  lowly  offering 

Was  on  the  brazen  altar  laid, 
The  closer  seem'd  the  Babe  to  cling 

And  fonder  to  the  blessed  maid. 

Now  human  love  and  love  Divine 

Are  seen  to  be  for  ever  one  ; 
The  Father's  infinite  design 

Reveal'd  in  His  Eternal  Son, 

Who  there  self-emptied,  self-abased, 

God  everlasting  was  and  is, 
And  by  the  virgin's  arms  embraced 

Embraces  heaven  and  earth  in  His. 

O  lordliest  Child,  O  lowliest  Lord, 
With  majesty  and  meekness  crown'd, 

By  saints  and  seraphim  adored, 

In  swaddling  bands  of  weakness  bound  ; 

Jcsu,  vouchsafe  us  day  by  day 

To  follow  Thy  humility, 
And  offer,  as  we  kneel  and  pray, 

Pure  minds  and  chasten'd  hearts  to  Thee. 


SAINT  MAR  V  THE   VIRGIN.  1 7 1 

And,  when  the  mystic  veil  is  rent 

Which  hides  the  Holiest  from  our  eyes, 

O  merciful  High  Priest,  present 
In  the  great  temple  of  the  skies, 

Array'd  in  garments  pure  and  white, 
Wash'd  in  the  fountain  of  Thy  blood, 

Unblemish'd  as  the  morning  light, 
Thy  Bride  before  the  throne  of  God. 


172  SAINT  MA  TTHIASS  DA  Y. 


SAINT  MATTHIAS'S  DAY. 

Lessons  :   I  Sam.  ii.  27 — 36  ;  Isaiah  xxii.  15. 
For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  i.  15.     Gospel :  St.  Matt.  xi.  25. 

THE  COLLECT. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  into  the  placeofthe  traitor 
Judas  didst  choose  Thy  faithful  servant  Matthias 
to  be  of  the  number  of  the  twelve  Apostles  ;  Grant 
that  Thy  Church,  being  alway  preserved  from  false 
Apostles,  may  be  ordered  and  guided  by  faithful 
and  true  pastors  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

"  His  bishopric  let  another  take." — Acts  i.  20. 
"Behold,    I  co?ne  quickly:   hold  that  fast  -which   thou 
hast,  that  no  man  take  thy  crown!* — Rev.  iii.  11. 

Be  strong,  be  strong,  O  struggling  saint, 
Lift  up  thine  heart,  lift  up  thine  eyes  ; 

Nor  in  the  conflict  fail  nor  faint, 
Until  thou  grasp  the  glorious  prize. 

Thy  Lord  on  thee  is  looking  down 
With  pity's  tender  pleading  face  ; 

And  in  His  pierced  hand  the  crown, 
He  longs  upon  thy  brow  to  place. 

Be  of  good  courage  :  He  has  known 

The  bitterness  of  mortal  strife, 
And  through  the  darkness  pass'd  alone 

Into  the  perfect  light  of  life. 

Alas,  upon  the  hills  of  time 

Too  many  a  shield  is  cast  away, 

And  many  a  recreant  fails  to  climb 
The  path  that  leads  to  endless  day. 


SAINT  MA  TTHIAS'S  DA  Y. 


173 


There  are  who,  lamp  in  hand,  are  found 
To  slumber  at  the  Bridegroom's  gate, 

And  only  waken  as  the  sound 

Dies  in  their  ears,  ''Too  late,  too  late." 

There  are  who  like  the  traitor  sell 
The  dear  Lord  for  this  passing  world, 

And  bartering  heaven  itself  for  hell 
To  lowest  depths  of  shame  are  hurl'd. 

Thou  weepest, — it  is  well, — for  those 

Who  shipwreck  of  their  faith  have  made  : 

Thou  tremblest ;  it  is  well  :  God  knows 
Thy  weakness,  His  Almighty  aid. 

Weep,  tremble,  struggle, — only  cast 
On  Him  thy  weakness  hour  by  hour, 

And  clinging  to  the  cross  hold  fast 
His  word  of  patient  love  and  power ; 

And  thou  with  all  His  saints  ere  long, 

Crown'd,  robed  in  white,  in  Him  complete, 

Shalt  sing  the  everlasting  song 
And  cast  thy  trophies  at  His  feet. 


174  THE  ANNUNCIATION-  OF  THE 


THE  ANNUNCIATION  OF  THE 
BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY. 

Lessons  :  Gen.  iii.  I  — 16  ;  Isaiah  lii.  7  — 13. 

For  the  Epistle:  Isaiah  vii.  10  —  16.     Gospel:  St.  Luke  i. 

26—39. 

THE  COLLECT. 

We  beseech  Thee,  0  Lord,  pour  Thy  grace  into 
our  hearts  ;  that  as  we  have  known  the  incarnation 
of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  by  the  message  of  an  angel, 
so  by  His  cross  and  passion  we  may  be  brought 
unto  the  glory  of  His  resurrection;  through  the 
same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

11  And  when  she  saw  him,  she  7uas  troubled  at  his  say- 
ing, and  east  in  her  mind  what  manner  of  salutation  this 
should  be.  .  .  .  And  Mary  said,  Behold  the  handmaid  oj 
the  Lord  ;  be  it  unto  me  according  to  thy  word." — St.  Luke 
i.  29,  38. 

u  Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord  ; 
Be  it  unto  me  as  thy  word," — 
So  spake  in  accents  low  and  sweet 
The  humblest  heart  that  ever  beat. 
Nor  would  the  Blessed  Spirit  come 
And  make  a  temple  of  her  womb, 
Nor  to  His  yoke  her  spirit  bow, 

Nor  in  her  God's  designs  fulfil, 
Until  His  gently  breathed  tl  Wilt  thou  ?" 

Was  answered  by  her  meek  "  I  will.'' 

The  vigils  of  the  Church  were  past  ; 
The  heavenly  day-spring  dawn'd  at  last  ; 
But  everlasting  ageS  wait 
And  knock  at  time's  reluctant  gate, 


BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY.  175 

Till  God  with  man  on  earth  shall  dwell, 
Incarnate  Love,  Emmanuel  : 
For  all  Redemption's  issues  hung 

Upon  the  words  of  lowly  faith, 
Which  falter'd  on  the  trembling  tongue 

Of  that  pure  maid  of  Nazareth. 

Be  still,  my  heart  :  no  fears  could  move 

The  counsels  of  eternal  love. 

Be  still  :  the  trouble  pass'd  away, 

Like  clouds  that  melt  at  break  of  day  ; 

And,  as  the  angel  spake  of  things 

Beyond  her  soul's  imaginings, 

The  words  of  self-surrender  fell 

From  lips  of  one  supremely  blest, 
Who  half  her  rapture  could  not  tell, 

But  knew  her  Father's  will  was  best. 

And  it  was  best.     WThat  bliss  like  hers 

The  heart  of  mother  ever  stirs  ; 

The  union  in  her  Infant's  birth 

Of  loftiest  heaven  and  lowliest  earth  ? 

Or  who  before  her  ever  smiled, 

Confiding,  on  a  sinless  Child? 

No  film  to  stain  the  stream  of  joy 

That  from  its  crystal  fountain  ran, 
While  in  her  home  the  perfect  Boy 

Grew  up  into  the  perfect  Man. 

Her  Father's  will  was  best  ;  though  she.. 

Who  drank  that  cup  of  ecstasy, 

In  bitterness  of  heart  must  drain 

The  dregs  of  agonizing  pain, — 

Her  tender  bosom  deeply  gored 

By  stabs  of  sorrow's  piercing  sword, — 


176 


THE  ANNUNCIA  TION. 


When  by  the  cruel  Cross  she  stood, 
Where  all  her  hopes  were  crucified  ; 

And  sprinkled  with  His  dying  blood 
In  spirit  with  her  Saviour  died. 

But  Easter  morning  breaks  ere  long 

To  welcomes  of  celestial  song, 

And  softer  human  melodies 

Swell  the  high  triumph  of  the  skies  : 

And  is  not  hers  the  sweetest  note 

Of  all  the  strains  that  heavenward  float? 

If  none  like  sorrowing  love  must  weep, 

No  hymns  like  love's  joy-anthems  flow  : 
Lord,  grant  us  in  Thy  bliss  to  reap 

Seeds  steep'd  and  sown  in  tears  below. 


SAINT  MA  RICS  DAY.  177 


SAIXT  MARKS  DA  Y. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  lxii.  6  ;  Ezek.  i.  1  — 15. 
Epistle  :  Ephes.  iv.  7 — 17.     Gospel:  St.  John  xv.  I  — 12. 

THE  COLLECT. 

0  Almighty  God.  who  hast  instructed  Thy  holy 
Church  with  the  heavenly  doctrine  of  Thy  Evan- 
gelist Saint  Mark  ;  Give  us  grace,  that  being  not 
like  children  carried  away  with  every  blast  of 
vain  doctrine,  we  may  be  established  in  the  truth 
of  Thy  holy  Gospel ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

"  Abide  in  Me,  and  I  in  yon  :  as  the  branch  cannot  bear 
fruit  of  itself  except  it'  abide  in  the  vine,  no  more  can  ye, 
except  ye  abide  in  Me." — St.  John  xv.  4. 

The  ivy  clasps  the  pine, 

And  climbs  the  while  it  clings  ; 

The  tendrils  of  the  vine 

Are  given  in  place  of  wings. 

The  limpet  hugs  the  rock 

The  closer  for  the  wave  ; 
And  dares  the  tempest's  shock 

In  feebleness  to  brave. 

The  little  child  holds  fast 

Its  father  in  alarms  ; 
Or  nestles  down  at  last 

Within  his  sheltering  arms. 

So  hangs  my  soul  on  Thee, 

O  Lord,  where'er  I  roam  ; 
Guide,  guard,  hold,  carry  me, 

And  bear  me  safely  home. 


1 78  SAINT  PHILIP  AND 


SAINT  PHILIP  AND  SAINT  JAMES' 
DAY. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  lxi.  ;  Zech.  iv.  ;  St.  John  i.  43. 
Epistle  :  James  i.  1  — 13.     Gospel  :  St.  John  xiv.  1  —  15. 

THE   COLLECT. 

0  Almighty  God,  whom  truly  to  know  is  ever- 
lasting life  ;  Grant  us  perfectly  to  know  Thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  to  be  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life  ; 
that,  following  the  steps  of  Thy  holy  Apostles, 
Saint  Philip  and  Saint  James,  we  may  stedfastly 
walk  in  the  way  that  leadeth  to  eternal  life  ;  through 
the  same  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     A  men. 

"  The  flower  falleth,  and  the  grace  of  the  fashion  of  it 
perisheth  :  so  also  shall  the  rich  man  fade  away  in  his 
ways.  Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation :  for 
when  he  is  tried,  he  shall  receive  the  crown  of  life,  which 
the  lord  hath  promised  to  tliem  that  love  Him." — James 
i.  11,  12. 

The  meadow  grass  is  green  and  blithe, 
With  gold  and  purple  hues  besprent  ; 

It  recks  not  of  to-morrow's  scythe 
Rich  in  its  lavish  bloom  and  scent  : 

The  sun  is  warm,  the  evening  gay, 

Who  speaks  of  aught  but  lile  to-day  ? 

The  jocund  world  is  borne  along 

By  troops  of  rosy-fingcr'd  hours, 
Its  path  of  merriment  and  song 

Still  garlanded  with  new-cut  llowers  ; 
And  all  her  children  seem  to  say, 
To-morrOW  will  be  as  to-day. 


SAINT  JAMES'S  DA  Y. 


179 


But  standing  from  the  throng  apart 

There  are  who  drink  of  sorrow's  springs, 

And  answer  to  their  bleeding  heart 
That  hearts  persistent  questionings, 

"  Is  there  no  harvest  far  away 

Of  seed  we  sow  in  tears  to-day  ? " 

Listen,  the  world's  melodious  chime 
Grows  faint  and  fainter  year  by  year, 

And  things  to  come  are  shadowing  time, 
And  soon  the  Master  will  be  here  : 

God  grant  us  crown'd  by  Him  to  say 

Eternity  is  ours  to-day. 


N     ^ 


i8o     SAINT  BARNABAS  THE  APOSTLE. 


SAINT  BARNABAS  THE  APOSTLE. 

Lessons  :  Deut.  xxxiii.  I — 12  ;  Nahum  i. ;  Acts  iv.  31, 

xiv.  8. 

For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  xi.  22.     Gospel :  St.  John  xv. 

12  —  17. 

THE   COLLECT. 

O  LORD  God  Almighty,  who  didst  endue  Thy  holy 
Apostle  Barnabas  with  singular  gifts  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  ;  Leave  us  not,  we  beseech  Thee,  destitute 
of  Thy  manifold  gifts,  nor  yet  of  grace  to  use  them 
alway  to  Thy  honour  and  glory  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

u  Who,  when  he  came,  and  had  seen  the  grace  of  God, 
was  glad,  and  exhorted  them  all,  that  with  purpose  of 
heart  they  would  cleave  unto  the  Lord.  For  he  was  a  good 
man,  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  faith  :  and  much 
people  was  added  unto  the  Lord.'" — Acts  xi.  23,  24. 

My  God,  my  Father,  let  me  rest 
In  the  calm  sun-glow  of  Thy  face, 

Until  Thy  love  in  me  express'd 

Draws  others  to  Thy  throne  of  grace. 

O  Jesu,  Master,  let  me  hold 

Such  secret  fellowship  with  Thee, 

That  others,  careless  once  and  cold, 
Won  to  my  Lord  and  theirs  may  be. 

Eternal  Spirit,  heavenly  Dove, 
The  light  of  Life  to  me  impart, 

Till  lire  descending  from  above 

Burns  on  and  on  from  heart  to  heart. 


SAINT  BARNABAS  THE  APOSTLE.      i8x 

O  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
Still,  still  may  love  to  love  respond  ; 

And  teach  me,  when  I  love  Thee  most, 
Depths  all  unfathom'd  lie  beyond, 


1 82  SA  INT  JOHN  BA  P TISTS  DA  Y 


SAINT  JOHN  BAPTISTS  DA  Y. 

Lessons  :  Mai.  iii.  I — 7,  iv. ;  St.  Matt,  iii.,  xiv.  I  — 13. 
For  the  Epistle :  Isaiah  xl.  1 — 12.    Gospel :  St.  Luke  i.  57* 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  by  whose  providence  Thy  servant 
John  Baptist  was  wonderfully  born,  and  sent  to 
prepare  the  way  of  Thy  Son  our  Saviour,  by  preach- 
ing of  repentance  ;  Make  us  so  to  follow  his  doc- 
trine and  holy  life,  that  we  may  truly  repent  ac- 
cording to  his  preaching  ;  and  after  his  example 
constantly  speak  the  truth,  boldly  rebuke  vice,  and 
patiently  suffer  for  the  truth's  sake  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  The  voice  of  him  that  crietJi  in  the  Wl 'Idem ess,  Prepare 
ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  straight  in  the  desert  a  high- 
way for  our  God." — Isaiah  xl.  3. 

Through  the  crowded  streets  of  Salem,  see,  they 

whisper  man  to  man, 
Like   a   flash   of  summer    lightning   through    the 

heavens,  the  tidings  ran  ; 
"  In  the  wilderness  by  Jordan  unto  us  a  voice  is 

sent, 
God  is  on  His  way.     His  herald  cries  before  He 

comes,  Repent. w 

On    the   mart  of  busy   traffic,   on  the  merchant's 

growing  board, 
On  the  bridegroom's  perfumed   chamber,    on    the 

banquet's  festive  board, 


SA  INT  JOHN  BA  PTIS  TS  DAY.  183 

On  the    halls   where    pleasure  squandered  all  the 

heaps  of  avarice, 
On  the  dreams  of  blind  devotion,  on  the  loathsome 

haunts  of  vice 
Like  a   thunder-roll  the  tidings  fell,  and  lo  !    the 

sudden  gloom 
Then  and  there  gave  fearful  presage  of  the  coming 

day  of  doom. 
But   the   workman    left    his   workshop,    and    the 

merchant  left  his  wares, 
And  the  miser  left  his  coffers  and  the  Pharisee  his 

prayers  : 
From  Jerusalem  to  Jordan,  see  they  pour  a  motley 

group, 
Young   men,   maidens,  old   men,   children,  priests 

and  people,  troop  on  troop  : 
Neighbour  thought  not  now  of  neighbour,  parent 

scarcely  thought  of  child  : 
There  were  few  who  spoke  or  answer'd,  there  were 

none  who  jeer'd  or  smiled  : 
No  one  wept  :  tyrannic  conscience  seal'd  their  eyes 

and  ears  and  lips, 
And  Eternity  was  shadowing  Time   with  terrible 

eclipse. 


There  it  wound,  that  ancient  river  :  there  he  stood, 

that  lonely  man. 
Is  it  yet  too  late  ?  to  rearmost   some  shrank  back, 

some  forward  ran  : 
Brave  men  quail'd,  and  timid  women  bolder  seem'd 

beneath  his  eye  : 
Age  grew  flush'd,   and  youth  grew  paler,  and  the 

voice  was  heard  to  cry, 


1 84  SATNT  'JOHN  BAPTISTS  DA  Y. 

"  God  is  on  His  way.     The  Judge  already  stands 

before  the  gate  ; 
Make  the  lofty  low  before   Him,  rugged  smooth, 

and  crooked  straight." 
As  the  multitudes  in  thousands  round  him  throng'd, 

a  timorous  flock, 
Fell   his    words    like    hail    in    harvest,    like    the 

hammer  on  the  rock, 
Breaking  stony  hearts  to  shivers,  cloaking,  sparing, 

softening  naught, 
But     with     lightning     flash     revealing     midnight 

mysteries  of  thought. 
God    was    Master,   man   was  servant  ;    right  was 

right  and  wrong  was  wrong  : 
Sinners  might  dream   on  a  little,  but   the  respite 

was  not  long. 
Good  or  evil  fruit  trees,  whether  of  the   twain  ?  no 

test  but  fruit  : 
Cut  it  down  ;  the  fire  is  kindled,  and  the  axe  lies 

at  the  root. 
Wherefore  call  themselves  the  children  of  the  God- 
like Abraham  ? 
Things  that  are  alone  are  precious  unto  the 

supreme  1  AM. 
Generation  bred  of  vipers,  wherefore  arc  they  pale 

and  dumb  ? 
Will  they  flee?  oh,  who  hath  warn'd  them  of  the 

dreadful  wrath  to  come  ? 
Are  the   dry  bones  stirring,   breathing?    God   can 

raise  up  men  from  stones. 
See  the  Lamb,  the  dying   Victim!  only  life  for  life 

atones  : 
And  the  dee])  red  current,  flowing  from  the  first- 
lings Abel  vow'd, 


SAINT  JOHN  BAPTISTS  DA  Y.  185 

Cries  from  age  to  age  for  mercy,  louder  yet,  and  yet 

more  loud, 
Till  the  sacrifice  be  offer'd  for  the  world's  stupen- 
dous guilt, 
And  the  Lamb  of  God  is  smitten  on  the  altar  God 

has  built. 
Is  the  hard  heart  bruised  and  contrite?  Do  they 

weep  and  vow  and  pray  ? 
It  is  well ;  let  Jordan's  waters  wash  their  loathed 

stains  away. 
But  the  coming  One,  whose  coming  now  was  every 

moment  nigher, 
He,  the  Son  of  God,  baptizes  with  the  Holy  Ghost 

and  fire  : 
In  His  hand  the  fan  that  winnows ;  at  His  feet  the 

harvest  floor  ; 
Chaff  the  food  for  quenchless  burnings :  garner'd 

wheat  for  evermore. 

These  lines  are  taken  from  a  longer  poem,  entitled,  "  John 
Baptist."  _  See  "The  Two  Brothers,  and  other  Poems,"  pp.  113— 
133.     Rivingtons. 


SAINT  PETER'S  DA  V. 


SAINT  PETER'S  DAY. 

Lessons  :  Ezek.  iii.  4  —  15  ;  Zech.  iii. ;  St.  John  xxi.  15  — 

23  ;    Acts  iv.  8—23. 

For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  xii.  1  — 12.     Gospel:  St.  Matt. 

xvi.  13 — 20. 

THE  COLLECT. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  by  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
didst  give  to  Thy  Apostle  Saint  Peter  many  excel- 
lent gifts,  and  commandest  him  earnestly  to  feed 
Thy  rlock  ;  Make,  we  beseech  Thee,  all  Bishops  and 
Pastors  diligently  to  preach  Thy  holy  Word,  and 
the  people  obediently  to  follow  the  same,  that  they 
may  receive  the  crown  of  everlasting  glory  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

iC  Jesus  saith  to  Simon  Peter%  Simon,  son  of  Jonas, 
loves t  thou  Me  more  than  these?  He  sdilh  unto  Him, 
Yea,  Lord  ;  Thou  knowest  that  I  love  'Thee.  lie  saith  unto 
him,  Teed  My  lambs  T — St.  John  xxi.  15. 

*•  I  am  the  Good  Shepherd :  the  Good  Shepherd  giveth 
His  life  for  the  sheep.'" — St.  John  x.  II. 

From  the  heaven  of  heavens  descending,  stooping 

from  the  throne  of  ( rod, 
Clothed    in    hum. in    flesh   the   Shepherd   once   our 

mortal  valley  trod. 
See  Omnipotence  self-humbled  ;   Light  In  darkness 

undented  ; 
Love  untired  with  weary  footstep  seeking  us  o'er 

waste  and  wild. 


SAINT  PETER'S  DA  Y.  187 

But    the    storm-clouds    round    Him    gather  :    o'er 

Jerusalem  He  weeps  : 
Crush'd  and  bruised  by  our  transgressions  now  He 

treads  the  river  deeps  : 
Onward,   onward  :  "  It    is  finished ''  on   the    bitter 

cross  He  cries  ; 
And  the  unseen  world  receives  Him,  Lord  of  earth 

and  Paradise. 

Easter   dawns :  the    bars    are    broken  :  hark,    the 

shout  of  victory  ! 
Death  is  death-struck,  and  Emmanuel  captive  leads 

captivity  : 
Bringing  many  sons  to  glory,  crown'd  with  many 

crowns  of  love, 
To  the  songs  of  heaven  He  rises  and  the  Father's 

home  above. 

Those  eternal  Hallelujahs,  those  adoring  Seraphim, 
Saints  and  angels  and    archangels,  are  they  not 

enough  for  Him  ? 
Wherefore  from  that    throne  of    triumph  do  His 

soul's  compassions  flow 
Over  those  who  once  refused  Him,  and  His  scatter'd 

sheep  below  ? 

Far  upon  the  rocky  mountains,  wayworn,  wounded, 

cast  away, 
Those  for  whom  He  died  and  suffer'd  in  the  paths 

of  ruin  stray  ; 
And  His  voice  thrills  through  and  through  us,  Who 

for  us  His  life-blood  gave, 
"  Do  ye  love  Me,  O  My  children?  feed  the  lambs  I 

died  to  save.;j 


i88 


SAIXT  PETER'S  DA  Y. 


Lord,  Thou  knowest  that  we  love  Thee  :  only  let 

us  love  like  Thee, 
Seek  the  lost,  and  heal  the  wounded,  track  Thy 

steps  unvveariedly ; 
Till  beside  the  living  waters,  glorified,  redeem'd, 

forgiven,' 
Thou,  the  One  Eternal   Shepherd,  gather  us  one 

flock  in  heaven. 


This    hymn  was  written  for  the  Centenary  Commemoration    of 
the  Church  of  England  Sunday  Schools. 


SAINT  JAMES  THE  APOSTLE, 


SAINT  JAMES  THE  APOSTLE. 

Lessons  :  2  Kings  i.  I — 16;  Jer.  xxvi.  8 — 16  ;  St.  Luke 

ix.  51  —  57. 
For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  xi.  27,  xii.  1—4.  Gospel  :  St.  Matt. 

xx.  20 — 29. 

THE  COLLECT. 

Grant,  0  merciful  God,  that  as  Thine  holy  Apostle 
Saint  James,  leaving  his  father  and  all  that  he  had, 
without  delay  was  obedient  unto  the  calling  of  Thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  followed  Him;  so  wre,  for- 
saking all  worldly  and  carnal  affections,  may  be 
evermore  ready  to  follow  Thy  holy  commandments  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

"  Ye  shall  drink  indeed  of  My  cup,  and  be  baptized  with 
the  baptism  that  I  a?n  baptized  with  ;  but  to  sit  on  My 
right  hand,  and  on  A/y  left,  is  not  Mine  to  give,  but  it  shall 
be  given  to  the??i  for  whom  it  is  prepared  of  My  Father" — 
St.  Matt.  xx.  23. 

"  All  things  are  yours ;  whether  Faul,  or  Apollos,  or 
Cephas  ;  .  .  all  are  yours,  and  ye  are  Christ's,  and  Christ 
is  God's.'" — 1  Cor.  iii.  21  —  23. 

For  ever  ours, 
The  good  and  great  of  all  the  ages  past  ; 
The  Father's  children  gathered  home  at  last  : 
Oh  wealth,  unutterable  wealth  of  love, 

All  ours  above. 

For  ever  ours, 
The  noblest  and  the  best  of  every  land, 
Innumerable  as  the  silver  sand 
Of  ocean,  or  the  dust  of  stars  that  gem 

Night's  diadem. 


190  SAINT  JAMES  THE  APOSTLE. 

For  ever  ours, 
Pilgrims  and  patriarchs  and  kings  and  seers, 
Whose  forms  loom  dimly  through  the  mist  of  years  ; 
Apostles,  martyrs,  and  evangelists, 

All  who  are  Christ's. 

For  ever  ours, 
The  lowliest  who  the  purest  crowns  have  won 
And  sit  the  nearest  Jesus  on  His  throne, 
And  love  Him  most  for  most  has  been  forgiven  ; 

The  peers  of  heaven. 

For  ever  ours, 
The  children  by  their  angel  guards  caress'd  ; 
And  all  the  myriad  myriads  of  the  blest  ; 
Each  heart  a  crystal  well-spring  of  delight, 

All  clothed  in  white. 

For  ever  ours  ; 
What  eye  can  range  the  limitless  expanse, 
Or  bear  the  blaze  of  love's  inheritance  ? 
Ours  : — Christ  is  ours  :  Oh,  miracle  of  bliss  ! 

And  we  are  His. 


SAINT  BAR  THOL  OME  W.  191 

SAINT  BARTHOLOMEW  THE  APOSTLE. 

Lessons:  Gen.  xxviii.  10 — 18  j  Deut.  xviii.  15. 

For  the  Epistle  :  Acts  v.  12 — 17.     Gospel :  St.  Luke 

xxii.  24 — 31. 

THE  COLLECT. 

0  Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  didst  give 
to  Thine  Apostle  Bartholomew  grace  truly  to  be- 
lieve and  to  preach  Thy  Word  ;  Grant,  we  beseech 
Thee,  unto  Thy  Church,  to  love  that  Word  which 
he  believed,  and  both  to  preach  and  receive  the 
same  :  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  And  he  dreamed,  and  behold  a  ladder  set  up  on  the 
earth,  and  the  top  of  it  reached  to  heaven  :  and,  behold,  the 
angels  of  God  ascending  and  descending  on  it." — Gen. 
xxviii.  12. 

u  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Hereafter  ye  shall  see 
heaven  ope?i,  and  the  angels  of  God  ascending  and  descend- 
ing upon  the  Son  of  Man." — St.  John  i.  51. 

Behind  us  Sinai's  awful  form, 

With  fiery  smoke  beclouded, 
Lies  wrapt  in  solitude  and  storm 

And  mists  of  darkness  shrouded ; 
While  far  aloof  a  trumpet  sound, 
As  from  creation's  outmost  bound, 

Grows  faint  and  fainter  ever. 

Gaze  not  upon  the  pathway  trod  : 

Mount  Zion  is  before  us, 
The  city  of  the  living  God, 

Jerusalem  the  glorious. 
Lo,  yonder  through  the  crystal  skies 
Its  gates  and  golden  ramparts  rise, 

The  home  of  love  for  ever. 


1 92  SAINT  BAR  THOL  OME  W. 

And  there  beside  the  fruitful  banks 

Of  life's  perennial  waters, 
Mingle  with  myriad  angel  ranks 

God's  ransom'd  sons  and  daughters  : 
While  echo  from  their  festal  throng 
The  voice  of  harping  and  the  song 

Of  jubilee  for  ever. 

O  joy  of  joys  !  no  cloud  between; 

No  dream  of  fabling  story  ; 
They  see  Him  whom  they  loved  unseen 

There  face  to  face  in  glory. 
Before  the  uncreated  Light 
They  stand  in  robes  of  hlmless  white, 

And  reign  with  Him  for  ever. 


SAINT  MATTHEW  THE  APOSTLE.      193 


SAINT  MATTHEW  THE  APOSTLE. 

Lessons  :   1  Kings  xix.  15;   1  Chron.  xxix.  1 — 20. 
Epistle  :  2  Cor.  iv.  1  —  7.     Gospel :   St.  Matt.  ix.  9—14. 

THE  COLLECT. 

0  Almighty  God,  who  by  Thy  blessed  Son  didst 
call  Matthew  from  the  receipt  of  custom  to  be  an 
Apostle  and  Evangelist  ;  Grant  us  grace  to  forsake 
all  covetous  desires,  and  inordinate  love  of  riches, 
and  to  follow  the  same  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

"As  Jesus  passed  forth  from  thence.  He  saw  a  man, 
named  Matthew,  sitting  at  the  receipt  of  custom  :  and  he 
saith  unto  him,  FoIIotj  Me.  And  he  arose,  and  followtu 
Him."— St.  Matt.  ix.  9. 

The  publican  at  custom's  throng'd  receipt 
Was  sitting  ;  but  his  heart  was  far  away, 

And  through  the  crowds  that  press'd   around  his 
feet 
He  mark'd  Another  passing  by  that  day. 

The  Master  spoke  ;  and,  when  His  voice  was  heard, 

The  servant  rose  obedient  to  His  word. 

His  home  was  stored  with  every  soft  delight, 

His  secret  coffers  overflow'd  with  gold  : 
And  many  felt  and  many  feard  the  might 

With  which  his  riches  arm'd  him.     But,  behold, 
It  needed  but  that  low-breathed  ■'  Follow  Me,''5 
And  he  surrender'd  all,  dear  Lord,  for  Thee. 

O 


194      SAINT  MATTHEW  THE  APOSTLE. 

Was  it  the  mighty  impulse  of  that  hour, 
One  sudden  masterful  resolve  of  will, 

Which  made  him,  quicken'd  by  Thy  Spirit's  power, 
With  seraph  promptitude  Thy  word  fulfil  ? 

Or  rather  was  it  fruit  of  many  years, 

Which  in  Thy  time  of  love  now  first  appears  ; — 

Even  as  the  aloe,  which  in  one  brief  night 
Miraculously  clothes  itself  in  bloom, 

Has  nurtured  in  its  bosom  out  of  sight 

The  hidden  germs  of  beauty  and  perfume  ? 

Thou  knowest,  Who  alone  canst  touch  the  springs 

And  read  the  deepest  of  the  heart's  deep  things. 

It  may  be,  he  had  oftentimes  confess'd 
To  his  own  heart  its  aching  want  and  woe, 

And  felt  that  indescribable  unrest 

Which  only  Mammon's  favourite  children  know; 

And  through  the  shadowy  veil  that  hangs  between 

Had  look'd  on  things  eternal  and  unseen. 

It  may  be,  he  had  heard  when  Jesus  spoke 
Of  rest  for  weary  ones  and  sin  forgiven, 

Of  patient  service  and  the  easy  yoke, 

And  true  and  lasting  treasures  stored  in  heaven 

The  glories  of  the  Father's  house  above, 

The  priesthood  and  the  royalty  of  love. 

Enough,  the  spring  was  touch'd  :  he  gave  up  all, 
And  more  than  all  rejoicing  found  in  Christ  ; 

A  true  dis<  iple  from  his  earliest  call, 
Apostle,  prophet,  and  evangelist  ; 

Who  seal'd  his  faithful  witness  with  his  blood 

And  lived  and  loved  and  died  a  man  of  God. 


SAINT  MICHAEL  AND  ALL  ANGELS.   195 


SALNT  MICHAEL  AND  ALL  ANGELS. 

Lessons  :  Gen.  xxxii.  ;  Dan.  x.  4  ;    Acts  xii.  5 — 18  ; 

Rev.  xiv.  14. 

For  the  Epistle  :  Rev.  xii.  7 — 13.  Gospel  :  St.  Matt,  xviii. 

1 — 11. 

THE   COLLECT. 

0  EVERLASTING  God,  who  hast  ordained  and 
constituted  the  services  of  Angels  and  men  in  a 
wonderful  order  ;  Mercifully  grant,  that  as  Thy 
holy  Angels  ahvay  do  Thee  service  in  heaven,  so 
by  Thy  appointment  they  may  succour  and  defend 
us  on  earth  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

'*  Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of  these  little  ones  ; 
for  I  say  unto  you.  That  in  heaven  their  angels  do  always 
behold  the  face  of  My  Father  which  is  in  heaven" — 
St.  Matt,  xviii.  10. 

And  do  Thy  angels  always  worship  Thee, 
And  guard  Thy  little  ones  adoring  thus  ? 

Always  Thy  face,  O  holy  Father,  see, 
And  in  Thy  presence  minister  to  us  ? 

And  do  they  always  drink  the  streams  above 
That  from  the  Fount  of  living  waters  flow, 

The  while  on  secret  embassies  of  love 

They  camp  unwearied  round  Thy  saints  below  ? 

And  are  the  little  ones  who  lisp  Thy  name 
As  much  the  objects  of  their  tender  care, 

As  those  whose  loftier  work  might  seem  to  claim 
In  their  great  ministries  a  nobler  share  ? 
O  2 


196  SAINT  MICHAEL  AND  ALL  ANGELS. 

Still  on  the  mystic  ladder  of  the  seer 

Ascending  and  descending  do  they  come, 

And  watch  with  sleepless  love  Thy  pilgrims  here, 
Until  they  bear  them  to  Thy  perfect  home  ? 

And  shall  we  join  their  shining  ranks  ere  long 
With  harps   of  praise  and  garments   wash'd  in 
blood, 

And  swell  with  them  the  Alleluia  song 
Which  rises  from  the  universe  of  God  ? 

O  holy  Father,  make  our  service  now 
A  daily  sacrifice  of  prayer  and  praise  : 

And,  as  beneath  Thy  easy  yoke  we  bow, 
Vouchsafe  us  on  Thy  blessed  face  to  gaze  ; 

Till  in  Thy  glory,  earthly  labour  done, 

We  see  Thee  as  Thou  art  on  Zion's  height, 

Service  and  worship  blending  into  one 
And  duty  felt  to  be  supreme  delight. 


SAINT  LUKE  THE  EVANGELIST.       197 


SAINT  LUKE  THE  EVANGELIST. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  lv.  ;  Ecclus.  xxxviii.  I  — 15. 
Epistle:  2  Tim.  iv.  5 — 16.     Gospel  :  St.  Luke  x.  1  —  8. 

THE   COLLECT. 

Almighty  God,  who  calledst  Luke  the  Physician, 
whose  praise  is  in  the  Gospel,  to  be  an  Evangelist, 
and  Physician  of  the  soul  ;  May  it  please  Thee, 
that,  by  the  wholesome  medicines  of  the  doctrine 
delivered  by  him,  all  the  diseases  of  our  souls  may 
be  healed  ;  through  the  merits  of  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  Only  Luke  is  with  me" — 2  Tim.  iv.  11. 
"  Luke,  the  beloved  physician" — Col.  iv.  14. 

Who  feels  not  thoughts  within  him  rise 
At  some  beloved  physician's  name, 

Which  fill  with  brimming  tears  his  eyes 
And  waken  memory's  warmest  claim  ? 

Haply  a  parent  or  a  child 

Owes  to  his  skill  their  power  to  bless  ; 
And  home's  sweet  Eden  since  has  smiled, 

Which  else  had  been  a  wilderness. 

Or  if  the  message  came,  "  The  Lord 
Surely  hath  need  of  him  or  her," 

Who  has  not  known  the  balsam  pour'd 
In  deep  wounds  by  His  minister. 

In  tenderest  hours  of  life  or  death 
That  healing  friend  is  by  our  side, 

Perhaps  the  last  to  catch  our  breath, 
Or  gently  whisper,  "  Jesus  died." 


19S       SAINT  LUKE  THE  EVANGELIST. 

O  Healer  of  our  spirit  needs, 

Who  knowest  every  tear  that  starts, 

And  every  inward  wound  that  bleeds 
Down  in  the  deeps  of  human  hearts, 

We  tell  Thee  all  ;  we  may,  we  must  : 
We  cannot,  would  not  hide  from  Thee  : 

Thy  perfect  love  wins  perfect  trust  ; 
Our  suffering  is  our  only  plea. 

And  Thou  art  with  us  all  the  way 
Of  life's  uncertain  pilgrimage, 

In  storm  and  calm,  by  night  and  day, 
In  childhood,  manhood,  shadowing  age  ; 

And  when  we  feel  the  hands  no  more, 
That  grasp  our  own  by  Jordan's  brink, 

Thy  arm  will  bear  us  safely  o'er, 
Thy  bosom  will  forbid  us  sink. 

And  in  the  land  that  lies  beyond, 
Where  sin  and  sickness  never  come, 

Thy  love  will  be  the  clasping  bond 
Of  all  within  the  Father's  home. 


SAINT  SIMON  AND  SAINT  JUDE.        199 


SAINT  SIMON  AND  SAINT  JUDE, 
APOSTLES. 

Lessons  :  Isaiah  xxviii.  9 — 17  ;  Jer.  iii.  12 — 19. 
Epistle  :  Jude  i.  1 — 9.     Gospel:  St.  John  xv.  17. 

THE    COLLECT. 

0  Almighty  God,  who  hast  built  Thy  Church 
upon  the  foundation  of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets, 
Jesus  Christ  Himself  being  the  head  corner-stone  ; 
Grant  us  so  to  be  joined  together  in  unity  of  spirit 
by  their  doctrine,  that  we  may  be  made  an  holy 
temple  acceptable  unto  Thee  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  Return,  thou  backsliding  Israel,  saith  the  Lord ;  and  I 
will  not  cause  Mine  atiger  to  fall  upon  you  :  for  I  am  mer~ 
ciful,  saith  the  Lord,  and  I  will  not  keep  anger  for  ever." 
— Jer.  iii.  12. 

"  Mercy  unto  you,  and  peace,  and  love,  be  multiplied." — 
Jude  2. 

Not  worthy,  Lord,  to  gather  up  the  crumbs 
With  trembling  hand  that  from  Thy  table  fall, 

A  weary  heavy-laden  sinner  comes, 

To  plead  Thy  promise  and  obey  Thy  call. 

1  am  not  worthy  to  be  thought  Thy  child, 

Xor  sit  the  last  and  lowest  at  Thy  board  ; 
Too  long  a  wanderer,  and  too  oft  beguiled, — 
I  only  ask  one  reconciling  word. 

One  word  from  Thee,  my  Lord,  one  smile,  one  look, 
And  I  could  face  the  cold  rough  world  again  ; 

And  with  that  treasure  in  my  heart  could  brook 
The  wrath  of  devils  and  the  scorn  of  men. 


200       SA  INT  SIMON  A  ND  SA  INT  JUDE. 

And  is  not  mercy  Thy  prerogative, 

Free  mercy,  boundless,  fathomless,  divine  ? 

Me,  Lord,  the  chief  of  sinners,  me  forgive  ; 
And  Thine  the  greater  glory,  only  Thine. 

I  hear  Thy  voice  :  Thou  bidst  me  come  and  rest ; 

I  come,  I  kneel,  I  clasp  Thy  pierced  feet  : 
Thou  bidst  me  take  my  place,  a  welcome  guest 

Among  Thy  saints,  and  of  Thy  banquet  eat. 

My  praise  can  only  breathe  itself  in  prayer, 
My  prayer  can  only  lose  itself  in  Thee  : 

Dwell  Thou  for  ever  in  my  heart,  and  there, 

Lord,  let  me  sup  with  Thee  :  sup  Thou  with  mc. 


ALL  SAINTS'  BAY. 


ALL  SAINTS'  DA  Y. 

Lessons  :  Wisdom  iii.  I — 10,  v.  I  — 17  ;  Heb.  xi.  33  and 

xii.  1  —  7  ;  Rev.  xix.  I  — 17. 

For  the  Epistle  :  Rev.  vii.  2—13.     Gospel :  St.  Matt. 

v.  I  — 13. 

THE   COLLECT. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  hast  knit  together  Thine 
elect  in  one  communion  and  fellowship,  in  the 
mystical  body  of  Thy  Son  Christ  our  Lord  ;  Grant 
us  grace  so  to  follow  Thy  blessed  Saints  in  all 
virtuous  and  godly  living,  that  we  may  come  to 
those  unspeakable  joys  which  Thou  hast  prepared 
for  them  that  unfeignedly  love  Thee  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"Alleluia,  for  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth  :  let 
us  be  glad  and  rejoice,  and  give  honour  to  Him ;  for  the 
marriage  of  the  Lamb  is  come,  and  His  wife  hath  i?iade 
herself  ready ." — Rev.  xix.  6,  7. 

"  Them  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  Him. 
....  Then  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  shall  be 
caught  up  together  with  them  in  the  clouds  to  meet  the 
Lord  in  the  air ;  and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord" 
—  I  Thess.  iv.  14,  17. 

Now,  in  this  our  pilgrim  day, 
Brothers,  it  is  we  and  they  : 
We  upon  the  weary  road, 
They  at  rest  with  Christ  in  God. 

We  with  conflicts  compass'd  round, 
Victors  they  with  glory  crowned  ; 
We  mid  shadows  of  the  tomb, 
They  within  the  light  of  home. 


202  ALL  SAINTS'  DAY. 

Yet  with  quicken'd  steps  we  press 
Through  the  thorny  wilderness, 
While  on  earth  we  sing  of  them 
Singing  in  Jerusalem. 

For  the  angels  to  and  fro 
Ply  their  tasks  above,  below, 
And  by  countless  ministries 
Knit  our  tents  and  Paradise. 

Nearer  yet,  One  Spirit  bears 
Witness  in  our  hearts  and  theirs  ; 
Day  by  day  we  kneel  and  meet, 
Children  at  One  Father's  feet ; 

Nearer  yet,  the  Bridegroom's  voice 
Bids  His  drooping  ones  rejoice  : 
Tears  are  dried  and  grief  is  dumb 
Listening  His  " Behold,  I  come." 

Then  no  longer  we  and  they. 
Former  things  all  past  away  : 
Then  no  more  that  world  and  this, 
One  abode  of  perfect  bliss. 

We  the  circle  of  His  own  ; 
We  the  Bride  upon  His  Throne  ; 
One  indissoluble  wt\ 
Ever,  Jesu  Lord,  with  Thee. 


HOL  Y  COMMUNION.  203 


HOLY  CO  MM  UNION. 

We  do  not  presume  to  come  to  this  Thy  table,  0 
merciful  Lord,  trusting  in  our  own  righteousness, 
but  in  Thy  manifold  and  great  mercies.  We  are 
not  worthy  so  much  as  to  gather  up  the  crumbs 
under  Thy  table.  But  Thou  art  the  same  Lord, 
whose  property  is  always  to  have  mercy  :  Grant  us 
therefore,  gracious  Lord,  so  to  eat  the  flesh  of  Thy 
dear  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  drink  His  blood,  that 
our  sinful  bodies  may  be  made  clean  by  His  body, 
and  our  souls  washed  through  His  most  precious 
blood,  and  that  we  may  evermore  dwell  in  Him,  and 
He  in  us.     Amen. 

u  I  will  not  drink  henceforth  of  this  fruit  of  the  vine, 
until  that  day  when  I  drink  it  new  with  yon  in  My 

Father's  kingdom." — St.  Matt.  xxvi.  29. 

The  hour  is  come  ;  the  feast  is  spread  : 

Behold  My  body  given  ; 
Behold  My  life-blood  freely  shed 

To  ransom  souls  for  heaven. 

When  of  this  cup  I  drink  again, 

In  glory  and  with  you, 
No  tears  its  perfect  joy  shall  stain, 

A  joy  for  ever  new. 

Ere  then  ten  thousand  thousand  times 

My  table  shall  be  spread, 
And  countless  souls  in  distant  climes 

Be  comforted  and  fed. 


204  HOL  Y  COMMUNION. 

Grace,  mercy,  peace  be  multiplied 
To  those  who  commune  there  : 

While  seated  by  My  Father's  side 
Their  mansions  I  prepare. 

But  now  these  lips  a  different  cup 
For  you  must  taste  and  drain, 

And  unrepiningly  drink  up 
The  dregs  of  bitter  pain. 

The  griefs  ye  know  not  that  are  Mine, 

Nor  yet  My  glories  see  ; 
But  break  the  bread  and  drink  the  wine, 

And  thus  remember  Me. 


See  al?o  hymns  for  the  Fourth  Sunday  in  Lent,  the  Wednesday 
before  Easter,  the  Thursday  before  Easter,  St.  Simon  and  St.  Judei 
Day,  and  the  Communion  of  the  Sick. 


PUBLIC  BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS.        205 


PUBLIC  BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 

We  receive  this  Child  into  the  congregation  of 
Christ's  flock,  and  do  sign  him  with  the  sign  of  the 
Cross,  in  token  that  hereafter  he  shall  not  be 
ashamed  to  confess  the  faith  of  Christ  crucified, 
and  manfully  to  fight  under  His  banner,  against  sin, 
the  world,  and  the  devil  ;  and  to  continue  Christ's 
faithful  soldier  and  servant  unto  his  life's  end. 
Amen. 

"  Suffer  the  Utile  children  to  come  tin  to  Me,  and  for  bin 
them  not;  for  of  stick  is  the  kingdom  of  God." — St.  Mark 
x.  14. 

O  God  our  strength,  our  hope,  our  rock, 

Whose  promise  faileth  never, 
Into  Thy  chosen  blood-bought  flock 

Receive  this  child  for  ever. 

Now  seal'd  with  Thy  thrice  holy  Name 

In  these  baptismal  waters, 
For  him  a  place  we  humbly  claim 

Among  Thy  sons  and  daughters. 

We  stamp  the  cross  upon  h is  brow, 

The  symbol  of  Thy  passion  ; 
O  Christ,  vouchsafe  his  earliest  vow 

May  be  his  life's  confession. 

This  banner  over  him  unfurl'd, 

May  he  fight  on,  subduing 
The  flesh,  the  devil,  and  the  world,— 

His  strength  in  Thee  renewing. 


206         PUBLIC  BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 

May  nothing,  Lord,  in  life  or  death 
From  Thee  Thy  servant  sever  : — 

Thy  soldier  true  to  plighted  faith, 
Henceforward,  and  lor  ever. 


PRIVATE  BAPTISM  OF  CHI  ID  REN.     207 


PRIVATE  BAPTISM  OF  CHILDREN. 

We  yield  Thee  hearty  thanks,  most  merciful  Father, 
that  it  hath  pleased  Thee  to  regenerate  this  Infant 
with  Thy  Holy  spirit,  to  receive  him  for  Thine  own 
Child  by  adoption,  and  to  incorporate  him  into 
Thy  holy  Church.  And  we  humbly  beseech  Thee 
to  grant,  that  as  he  is  now  made  partaker  of  the 
death  of  Thy  Son,  so  he  may  be  also  of  His  resur- 
rection ;  and  that  finally,  with  the  residue  of  Thy 
Saints,  he  may  inherit  Thine  everlasting  kingdom  ; 
through  the  same  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

il  He  took  them  up  in  His  arms,  pit  His  hands  upon 
them,  and  blessed  them  " — St.  Mark  x.  16. 

Come,  infant,  to  His  heart  of  love 
Who  seals  thee  with  His  grace  ; 

And  nestle,  as  .a  foster'd  dove, 
In  His  Divine  embrace. 

Baptized  into  the  name  of  God 

The  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit, 
Thou  by  the  water  and  the  blood 

His  kingdom  shalt  inherit. 

Thee  with  His  holy  cross  we  sign 

In  token  thou  art  His, 
And  He  Himself  with  all  things  thine, 

Earth's  service  or  heaven's  bliss. 

God  bless  thee  and  thou  shalt  be  bless'd, 

God  keep  thee  and  defend  ! 
Who  clasps  His  children  on  His  breast 

Will  clasp  them  to  the  end. 


2o8  Baptism  of  such 


BAPTISM  OF    SUCH  AS  ARE  OF  RIPER 
YEARS. 

And  as  for  you,  who  have  now  by  baptism  put  on 
Christ,  it  is  your  part  and  duty  also,  being  made  the 
children  of  God  and  of  the  light,  by  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ,  to  walk  answerably  to  your  Christian  calling, 
and  as  becometh  the  children  of  light. 


'*  And  now  why  tarriest  thou?  arise,  and  be  baptized, 
and  wash  away  thy  sins,  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord' ' 
— Acts  xxii.  16. 


Stand,  soldier  of  the  cross, 
Thy  high  allegiance  claim, 
And  vow  to  hold  the  world  but  loss 
P  or  thy  Redeemer's  name. 

Arise  and  be  baptized, 
And  wash  thy  sins  away  : 
Thy  league  with  God  be  solemnized, 
Thy  love  avouch'd  to-day. 

Our  heavenly  country  now, 
Our  Lord  and  Master,  thine, 
Reccne  imprinted  on  thy  brow 
1  lis  Passion's  awful  sign. 

No  more  thine  <>u  n  but  Christ's ; 
With  all  the  mints  of  old, 
Apo  •  evangelists, 

And  martyr  tin  i  ll'd  ; 


AS  ARE  OF  RIPER  YEARS.  209 

In  God's  whole  armour  strong, 
Front  hell's  embattled  powers  : 
The  warfare  may  be  sharp  and  long, 
The  victory  must  be  ours. 

O  bright  the  conqueror's  crown, 
The  song  of  triumph  sweet, 
When  faith  casts  every  trophy  down 
At  our  great  Captain's  feet. 


2io  CATECHISM. 


CA  TECH  ISM. 

I  heartily  thank  our  heavenly  Father,  that  He 
hath  called  me  to  this  state  of  salvation,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.  And  I  pray  unto  God  to 
give  me  His  grace,  that  I  may  continue  in  the  same 
unto  my  life's  end. 

"  Leaving  us  an  example  that  ye  should  follow  His 
steps." — I  Pet.  ii.  21. 

When  the  morning  paints  the  skies, 
And  the  birds  their  songs  renew, 

Let  me  from  my  slumbers  rise, 
Saying,  "  What  would  Jesus  do  ?  " 

Countless  mercies  from  above 
Day  by  day  my  pathway  strew  ; 

Is  it  much  to  bless  Thy  love  ? 
"  Father,  what  would  Jesus  do  ?" 

When  I  ply  my  daily  task, 

And  the  round  of  toil  pursue, 
Let  me  often  brightly  ask, 

"  What,  my  soul,  would  Jesus  do  ?" 

Would  the  foe  my  heart  beguile, 

Whispering  thoughts  and  words  untrue  ; 

Let  me  to  his  subtlest  wile 

Answer,  "  What  would  Jesus  do  ?  " 

When  the  clouds  of  sorrow  hide 
Mirth  and  sunshine  from  my  view, 

Let  me,  clinging  to  Thy  side, 

Ponder,  "What  would  Jesus  do?" 


CATECHISM. 


Only  let  Thy  love,  O  God, 

Fill  my  spirit  through  and  through, 

Treading  where  my  Saviour  trod, 
Breathing,  "  What  would  Jesus  do  ?  ? 

This   hymn  is  published  on   a  separate  fly-leaf,  with  the    tune 
St.  Bees  by  the  late  Dr.  Dykes.     (S.  Low  and  Co.) 


P     2 


CONFIRM  A  TION. 


CONFIRM  A  TION. 

Defend,  O  Lord,  this  Thy  child  with  Thy 
heavenly  grace,  that  he  may  continue  Thine  for 
ever  ;  and  daily  increase  in  Thy  Holy  Spirit  more 
and  more,  until  he  come  unto  Thy  everlasting  king- 
dom.    Amen. 

"lam  Thine,  save  me." — Psalm  cxix.  94. 

"  Thine,  Thine  for  ever  " — blessed  bond 

That  knits  us  Lord  to  Thee  : 
May  voice,  and  heart  and  soul  respond 

Amen,  so  let  it  be. 

When  this  world  strikes  its  dulcet  harp, 

And  earth  our  heaven  appears, 
Be  "Thine  for  ever,"  clear  and  sharp, 

God's  trumpet  in  our  ears. 

When  sin  in  pleasure's  soft  disguise 

Would  work  us  deadliest  harm, 
May  "  Thine  for  ever"  from  the  skies 

Steal  down,  and  break  the  charm. 

When  Satan  flings  his  fiery  darts 

Against  our  weary  shield, 
May  "  Thine  for  ever"  in  our  hearts 

Forbid  us  faint  or  yield. 

Thine  all  along  the  flowery  spring, 

Along  the  summer  prime, 
Till  autumn  fades  in  welcoming 

The  silver  frost  of  time. 


CONFIRM  A  TION.  2 1 3 

"  Thine,  Thine  for  ever  " — body,  soul, 

Henceforth  devote  to  Thee, 
While  everlasting  ages  roll  : 

Amen,  so  let  it  be. 


2 1 4  HOL  Y  MA  TRIMON  Y. 


HOL  Y  MA  TRIMONY. 

Almighty  God,  who  at  the  beginning  did  create 
our  first  parents,  Adam  and  Eve,  and  did  sanctify 
and  join  them  together  in  marriage  ;  Pour  upon 
you  the  riches  of  His  grace,  sanctify  and  bless  you, 
that  ye  may  please  Him  both  in  body  and  soul, 
and  live  together  in  holy  love  unto  your  lives'  end. 
Amen. 

"  Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for  Him" 
Psalm  xxxvii.  7. 

u  Rest  in  the  Lord,"  from  harps  above 

The  music  seems  to  thrill ; 
Rest  in  His  everlasting  love, 
Rest  and  be  still. 

Rest  thou,  who  claimest  for  thine  own 

Thy  chosen  bride  to-day. 
Affianced  in  His  faith  alone 

Thy  bride  for  aye. 

And  thou,  whose  trustful  hand  is  given 

Avouching  here  thy  spouse, 
Rest,  for  a  Father  seals  in  heaven 
His  children's  vows. 

Rest  ye,  who  cluster  round  them  both 

To  mingle  praise  and  prayers ; 
Your  God  affirms  the  plighted  troth, 
Your  God  and  theirs. 

Rest,  for  the  Heavenly  Bridegroom  here 

Is  standing  by  your  side, 
And  in  this  union  draws  more  near 
His  mystic  bride. 


HOL  Y  MA  TRIMONY.  2 1 5 

u  Rest  in  the  Lord  :  "  thrice  Holy  Dove, 

In  us  Thy  word  fulfil  ; 
Rest  in  His  everlasting  love, 
Rest  and  be  still. 


This  hymn  is  especially  designed  to  follow  the  air  from  Men- 
delssohn's Elijah,  "  Rest  in  the  Lord,"  which  is  so  often  played  at 
the  marriage  service.  See  also  hymn  for  the  Second  Sunday  after 
the  Epiphany.  M  , 


2i6  VISITATION  OF  THE  SICK. 


VISITATION  OF  THE  SICK. 

O  SAVIOUR  of  the  world,  who  by  Thy  Cross  and 
precious  Blood  hast  redeemed  us,  Save  us,  and 
help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee,  O  Lord. 

u  And  so   He  bringcth  tJieni  unto  the  haven  when  they 
would  be  " — Psalm  cvii.  30  (Prayer-book  Version). 

Yes,  billow  after  billow  :  see  they  come 
Faster  and  rougher  as  her  little  boat 
Nears  evermore  the  haven.     Oftentimes 
It  seems  to  sink  and  fall  adown  the  wave, 
As  if  borne  backward  by  the  struggling  tide  ; 
Yet  mounting  billow  after  billow,  wave 
On  wave  o'er-ricling,  tempest-tost  and  shatter'd, 
Still,  still  it  nears  the  haven  evermore. 
"  Poor  mariner,  art  thou  not  sadly  weary  ?" 
Dear  brother,  rest  is  sweeter  after  toil. 
"  Grows  not  thine  eye  confused  and  dim  with  sight 
Of  nothing  but  the  wintry  waters  ?  M     True, 
But  then  my  pole-star,  constant  and  serene, 
Above  the  changing  waters  changes  not. 
"But  what  if  clouds,  as  often,  veil  the  sky?" 
Oh,  then  an  unseen  hand  hath  ever  taVn 
The  rudder  from  my  feeble  hands  the  while — 
And  I  cling  to  it.     "Answer  me  once  more, 
Mariner,  what  think'st  thou  when  the  waters  bear 
Thy  frail    boat  backward  from  the  long'd-for  har- 
bour?" 
Oh,  brother,  though  innumerable  waves 
Still  seem  to  rise  betwixt  me  and  my  home — 
Still  billow  after  billow,  wave  on  wave — 


VISITATION  OF  THE  SICK.  217 

I  know  that  they  are  number'd  ;  not  one  less 

Should  bear  me  homeward  if  I  had  my  will  ; 

For  One  who  knows  what  tempests  are  to  weather, 

O'er  whom  there  broke  the  wildest  billows  once, 

He  bids  these  waters  swell.     In  His  good  time 

The  last  rough  wave  shall  bear  me  on  its  bosom 

Into  the  haven  of  eternal  peace. 

No  billows  after  :  they  are  number'd  brother. 

"  Oh,  gentle  mariner,  steer  on,  steer  on  ; 

My  tears  shall  flow  for  thee,  but  they  are  tears 

In  which  faith  strives  with  grief,  and  overcomes." 


2iS        THE  COMMUNION  OF  THE  SICK. 
THE  COMMUNION  OF  THE  SICK. 

THE    COLLECT. 

Almighty,  everliving  God,  Maker  of  mankind,  who 
dost  correct  those  whom  Thou  dost  love,  and  chastise 
every  one  whom  Thou  dost  receive  ;  we  beseech 
Thee  to  have  mercy  upon  this  Thy  servant  visited 
with  Thine  hand,  and  to  grant  that  he  may  take  his 
sickness  patiently,  and  recover  his  bodily  health 
(if  it  be  Thy  gracious  will)  ;  and  whensoever  his 
soul  shall  depart  from  the  body,  it  may  be  without 
spot  presented  unto  Thee  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen, 

"  /  sleep,  but  my  heart  waketh  :  it  is  the  voice  of  my 
beloved  that  knocketh,  saying.  Open  to  Me,  My  sister,  Mv 
love,  My  dove,  My  undefiled ;  for  My  head  is  filled  with 
deiu,  and  My  locks  with  the  drops  of  the  night" — Song  v.  2. 

"  Behold,  I  stand  at  the  door,  and  knock :  if  any  man 
hear  My  voice,  and  open  the  door,  I  will  come  in  to  him, 
and  will  sup  with  him,  and  lie  with  Me.u — Rev.  iii.  20. 

The  sun  is  set,  the  twilight's  o'er, 
The  night-dews  fall  like  rain  ; 

A  Prince  stands  at  a  suppliant's  door, 
And  knocks  and  knocks  again. 

"  I  slumber  ;  but  my  heart  is  moved 

With  joy  and  holy  fear  ; 
Is  it  Thy  footstep,  ()  beloved, 

Thy  hand,  Tin  voice  I  hear  ?  " 

"'Tis  I,  thy  Lord,  who  stand  and  wait 
Beneath  the  darkening  sky .: 

Arise,  unbar,  unclose  the  gate, 
Fear  nothing  ;   it  is  I. 


THE  COMMUNION  OF  THE  SICK.       219 

u  The  bread  of  life  is  in  My  hand  ; 

The  wine  of  heaven  I  bring  : 
Fulfil  My  tenderest  last  command  ; 

Thy  Bridegroom  is  thy  King. 

"  Eat,  drink  ;  and  muse  in  loving  trust, 

The  while  I  sup  with  thee, 
If  this  be  heaven  on  earth,  what  must 

My  bridal  banquet  be.'J 


220  THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 


THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 

FORASMUCH  as  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God  of  His 
great  mercy  to  take  unto  Himself  the  soul  of  our 
dear  brother  here  departed,  we  therefore  commit 
his  body  to  the  ground  ;  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to 
ashes,  dust  to  dust  ;  in  sure  and  certain  hope  of 
the  Resurrection  to  eternal  life,  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  ;  who  shall  change  our  vile  body,  that 
it  may  be  like  unto  His  glorious  body,  according  to 
the  mighty  working,  whereby  he  is  able  to  subdue 
all  things  to  Himself. 

"  1 heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto  me,  Write, 
From  henceforth  blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  (he  Lord: 
even  so  saith  the  Spirit ;  for  they  rest  from  their  labours" 
—  Rev.  xiv.  13.     (Prayer-book  Version.) 

Hush  !  blessed  are  the  dead 

In  Jesus'  arms  who  rest, 
And  lean  their  weary  head 

For  ever  on  I  lis  breast. 

O  beatific  sight  ! 

No  darkling  veil  between, 
They  see  the  Light  of  Light, 

Whom  here  they  loved  unseen. 

For  them  the  wild  is  past 

With  all  its  toil  and  care; 
Its  withering  midnight  blast, 
Its  iiery  noonday  glare. 


THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD.  22 

Them  the  Good  Shepherd  leads, 

Where  storms  are  never  rife, 
In  tranquil  dewy  meads 

Beside  the  Fount  of  life. 

Ours  only  are  the  tears, 

Who  weep  around  their  tomb 
The  light  of  bygone  years 

And  shadowing  years  to  come. 

Their  voice,  their  touch,  their  smile, — 
Those  love-springs  flowing  o'er, — 

Earth  for  its  little  while 

Shall  never  know  them  more. 

O  tender  hearts  and  true, 

Our  long  last  vigil  kept, 
We  weep  and  mourn  for  you  ; 

Nor  blame  us  :  Jesus  wept. 

But  soon  at  break  of  day 

His  calm  Almighty  voice, 
Stronger  than  death,  shall  say, 

Awake, — arise, — rejoice. 


r+ 


THE  CHURCHING  OF  WOMEN. 


THE   CHURCHING  OF    WOMEN. 

O  Almighty  God,  we  give  Thee  humble  thanks 
for  that  Thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  deliver  this  woman 
Thy  servant  from  the  great  pain  and  peril  of  Child- 
birth ;  Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  most  merciful 
Father,  that  she,  through  Thy  help,  may  both  faith- 
fully live,  and  walk  according  to  Thy  will,  in  this 
life  present  ;  and  also  may  be  partaker  of  everlast- 
ing glory  in  the  life  to  come  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

"  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  lord  for  all  His  benefits 
tcnvards  me  ?  I  will  take  the  cup  of  salvation  and  call  upon 
the  ?ia?ne  of  the  Lord." — Psalm  cxvi.  12,  13. 

Before  the  everlasting  Throne 
The  Angel  of  Jehovah's  Presence  stands  ; 
With  pierced  feet  and  hands, 

Our  great  High  Priest,  Supreme,  Alone  : 

And  mingling  incense-clouds  that  rise 
From  off  the  golden  altar  day  and  night 
And  fill  with  fragrance  all  the  heavenlies, 

He  offers  up  with  calm  delight 

And  love  that  never  fails  nor  faints 
The  prayers  and  praises  of  His  struggling  saints. 
But  surely  none  are  dearer  in  I  lis  -sight, 
Who  deigns  to  dwell 

Amid  the  eucnarists  of  Israel, 
Than  when  a  mother,  shielded  by  His  love 
Through  her  worst  fears  of  peril  and  of  pain, 
Returns  to  prove 

The  quiet  of  her  Father's  house  again  ; 


THE  CHURCHING  OF  WOMEN.  223 

And,  her  fond  heart  with  gladness  flowing  o'er, 
Presents  the  choicest  she  can  bring 

For  freewill  offering, 
Herself  a  living  sacrifice  for  evermore. 

And  not  herself  alone  ; 
But  that  wrhich  Heaven  has  given  her  for  her  own, 
A  priceless  dowry  bought  with  Jesus'  blood, 

Her  new-born  treasure  around  whom 
Hopes  sweetest  bloom, 

The  offspring  of  her  vows  and  womb, 
The  pledge  of  human  and  of  heavenly  love 

SeaPd  here  and  ratified  above, 
She  lays  upon  the  altar  of  her  God. 
It  is  too  precious  and  too  frail  a  thing 
Even  for  the  shelter  of  a  mother's  wing  : 
God  grant  the  fond  petition  she  prefers 
And  be  her  darling  rather  His  than  hers  : 
His  be  the  Hand  that  holds  the  brimming  cup 

In  this  uncertain  world  of  storm  and  strife, 
And  His  the  Arm  Omnipotent  to  shield 
The  fountain  pure  from  sin  He  has  unseal'd, 

A  well  of  water  springing  up 
To  everlasting  life. 

List,  touch  a  tenderer  string  : 
Another  comes  ;  but  will  she  weep  or  sing  ? 
Her  folded  blossom 
Was  taken,  ere  it  well  was  given, 
And  carried  by  the  angels  into  heaven, 
And  laid  on  Jesus'  bosom. 

But  as  she  prays 
And  lifts  her  pale  confiding  gaze 
To  those  clear  crystal  skies 
Which  hardly  veil  the  nearer  Paradise, 


224         THE  CHURCHING  OF  WOMEN. 

She  smiles  amid  her  tears, 
For  heaven's  far  music  falls  upon  her  ears  : — 
Whate'er  betides  her  here  below, 
Her  child  shall  never  know 
One  touch  of  woe  : 
It  has  been  hers  to  place  another  gem 
In  Jesus'  many-jewell'd  diadem, 
And  her  dear  Lord,  her  home,  and  she 
Are  richer  for  her  babe  to  all  eternity. 

O  Thou,  who  by  Thy  lowly  birth 
Hast  knit  for  ever  heaven  and  earth, 

The  Virgin's  Saviour  and  the  Virgin's  Son, 
Breathe  in  our  every  word  and  thought 
The  filial  prayer  Thyself  hast  taught, 

And  as  in  heaven  on  earth  Thy  will  be  done. 


CO  MM  IN  A  TION.  225 


CO  MM IX A  TIOX. 

Turn  Thou  us,  0  good  Lord,  and  so  shall  we  be 
turned.  Be  favourable,  0  Lord,  Be  favourable  to 
Thy  people,  Who  turn  to  Thee  in  weeping,  fasting, 
and  praying.  For  Thou  art  a  merciful  God,  Full 
of  compassion,  Long-suffering,  and  of  great  pity. 
Thou  sparest  when  we  deserve  punishment,  And 
in  Thy  wrath  thinkest  upon  mercy.  Spare  Thy 
people,  good  Lord,  spare  them,  And  let  not  Thine 
heritage  be  brought  to  confusion.  Hear  us,  O  Lord, 
for  Thy  mercy  is  great,  And  after  the  multitude  of 
Thy  mercies  look  upon  us  ;  Through  the  merits  and 
mediation  of  Thy  blessed  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.    Amen. 


M  Wlien  I  passed  by  thee,  and  looked  upon  thee,  behold,  thy 
time  was  the  time  of  love,  ' — Ezek.  xvi.  8. 

My  God,  my  Father,  dost  Thou  call 

Thy  long-lost  wandering  child  to  Thee  ? 

And  canst  Thou,  wilt  Thou  pardon  all  ? 
I  come,  I  come  :  Lord,  save  Thou  me. 

O  Jesus,  art  Thou  passing  by 

With  all  Thy  goodness,  grace  and  power  ? 
And  dost  Thou  hear  my  broken  cry  ? 

1  come,  I  come  in  mercy's  hour. 

O  Holy  Spirit,  is  it  Thou 

My  tenderest  Friend,  refused  too  long  ? 
And  art  Thou  pleading,  striving  now  ? 

I  come,  I  come  :  make  weakness  strong. 

Q 


226  C0MM1NA  TION. 

Yes,  Lord,  I  come  :  Thy  heart  of  love 
Is  moving,  kindling,  drawing  mine. 

I  cast  me  at  Thy  feet  to  prove 

The  bliss,  the  heaven  of  being  Thine. 


FORMS  OF  PRAYER  TO  BE  USED  AT  SEA.  227 


FORMS  OF  PR  A  YER  TO  BE  USED 
AT  SEA. 


O  eternal  Lord  God,  who  alone  spreadest  out 
the  heavens,  and  rulest  the  raging  of  the  sea  ;  who 
hast  compassed  the  waters  with  bounds  until  day 
and  night  come  to  an  end  ;  Be  pleased  to  receive 
into  Thy  Almighty  and  most  gracious  protection 
the  persons  of  us  Thy  servants,  .  .  .  that  we  may 
return  in  safety  to  enjoy  the  blessings  of  the  land, 
with  the  fruits  of  our  labours,  and  with  a  thankful 
remembrance  of  Thy  mercies  to  praise  and  glorify 
Thy  holy  Name  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen* 


"  O  God  of  our  salvation,  iu/10  art  the  confidence  of  them 
that  are  afar  off  upon  the  sea" — Psalm_lxv.  5. 


Almighty  Father,  hear  our  cry, 

As  o'er  the  trackless  deep  we  roam  ; 

Be  Thou,  our  haven,  always  nigh  ; 
On  homeless  waters  Thou  our  home. 

O  Jesu,  Saviour,  at  whose  voice 

The  tempest  sank  to  perfect  rest, 
Bid  Thou  the  mourner's  heart  rejoice, 

And  cleanse  and  calm  the  troubled  breast. 

O  Holy  Ghost,  beneath  whose  power 

Creation  woke  to  life  and  light, 
Command  Thy  blessing  in  this  hour, 

Thy  fostering  warmth,  Thy  quickening  might. 
Q  2 


22S  FORMS  OF  PR  A  YFR  TO  BF  USED  AT  SEA. 

Great  God,  Triune  Jehovah,  Thee 
We  love,  we  worship,  we  adore  ; 

Our  refuge  on  time's  changeful  sea, 
Our  joy  on  heaven's  eternal  shore. 


0RD1XATI0X.  229 


ORDIXA  TIOX. 

Do  you  trust  that  you  are  inwardly  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  to  take  upon  you  this  Office  and  Minis- 
tration, to  serve  God  for  the  promoting  of  His 
glory,  and  the  edifying  of  His  people  ?     I  trust  so. 

11  Before  thou  earnest  forth  out  of  the  womb  1  sanctified 
thee,  and  I  ordained  thee ^ — Jer.  i.  5. 

In  earliest  bloom  of  wedded  life, 

When  young  love  blush'd  its  bliss  to  own, 
The  husband  knelt  beside  his  wife  ; 
And,  witness:d  by  the  stars  alone, 
They  hid  within  their  hearts  and  pledged  to  heaven 
The  hrst  faint  fluttering  hope  which  God  had  given. 

Their  prayer  was  heard  ;  and  at  the  font 

The  happy  parents  stood,  and  saw 
The  cross  stamp'd  on  their  infant's  front, 
And  clasp'd  again  with  loving  awe 
Their  darling  in  a  joy  too  great  for  words, 
Now  doubly  theirs  because  he  is  the  Lord's. 

Years  pass'd  like  dreams  ;  and,  reverent  truth 

Writ  on  his  trustful  thoughtful  brow, 
The  lad  in  sunny  prime  of  youth 

Himself  confirms  the  Christian's  vow, 
And  answers  to  the  holy  benison, 
"  Yea,  Lord,  Thine  own  for  ever :  it  is  done.'5 

And  from  that  hour  a  bidden  guest 

He  hears  and  loves  to  hear  the  voice 
Of  Jesus.  "  Come  to  Me.  and  rest, 

And  make  My  easy  yoke  thy  choice  ; 


2  so  ORDINATION. 


And  ever  to  thy  first  allegiance  true 

Still  in  My  feast  of  love  thy  strength  renew." 

But  often  in  his  waking  dreams, 

And  often  in  the  hush  of  prayer, 
A  cry  of  thirst  and  hunger  seems 
To  throb  upon  the  troubled  air, 
The  cry  of  thousands  lying  at  our  doors, 
Or  wafted  by  the  winds  from  far-off  shores : 

And,  mingling  with  that  cry,  the  sweet 

Low  whisper  of  a  heavenly  word, 
Which  from  above  the  mercy-seat 

Breathes,  "  Who  will  go  for  Us  ? "  is  heard  ; 
Though  for  a  while  the  passionate  reply 
Is  crush'd  within  him,  "Send  me  :  here  am  I." 

But  lo,  the  still  small  voice,  not  once 

Nor  twice  persisting,  "  Lovest  Me  ? ' 
Wakes  in  his  heart  of  hearts  response, 
"Thou  knowest,  Master,  I  love  Thee," 
Till,  like  words  graven  on  the  soul  in  sleep, 
The  message  thrills  his  bosom,  "  Feed  My  sheep.5' 

The  sun  has  risen  ;  and  doubts  and  fears 

Melt  like  the  shades  of  night  away, 
As  through  the  dewy  mist  of  tears 
Morn  struggles  to  the  perfect  clay  : 
Twice  bless'd  :  his  blessedness  henceforth  to  bless  : 
The  Spirit  with  his  spirit  answers,  Yes. 


THE  ROYAL  ACCESSION.  231 


THE  ROYAL  ACCESSION. 

O  God  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  our 
only  Saviour,  the  Prince  of  Peace ;  Give  us  grace 
seriously  to  lay  to  heart  the  great  dangers  we  are 
in  by  our  unhappy  divisions.  Take  away  all  hatred 
and  prejudice,  and  whatsoever  else  may  hinder  us 
from  godly  Union  and  Concord  :  that,  as  there  is 
but  one  Body,  and  one  Spirit,  and  one  Hope  of  our 
Calling,  one  Lord,  one  Faith,  one  Baptism,  one  God 
and  Father  of  us  all,  so  we  may  henceforth  be  all 
of  one  heart,  and  of  one  soul,  united  in  one  holy 
bond  of  Truth  and  Peace,  of  Faith  and  Charity, 
and  may  with  one  mind  and  one  mouth  glorify 
Thee  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

"Behold,  O  God,  our  shield,  and  look  upon  the  face  of 
Thine  anointed" — Psalm  lxxxiv.  9. 

God  of  our  fatherland, 

Stretch  forth  Thy  glorious  hand 

And  shield  our  isle  ! 
Beautiful,  brave,  and  free, 
As  her  own  guardian  sea, 
May  she  for  ever  be 

Under  Thy  smile  ! 

God  of  our  royal  kings, 

Spread  Thou  Thy  sheltering  wings 

Over  our  throne  ! 
Blest  in  her  people's  love, 
Thrice  blessed  from  above, 
Safe  as  a  cherish'd  dove, 

God  keep  His  own  ! 


THE  ROYAL  ACCESSION. 


Still  be  Thy  Gospel's  light 
Shining  by  day  and  night 

Buckler  and  sword  : 
And  where  our  fathers  pray'd, 
None  making  them  afraid, 
Vouchsafe  Thy  mighty  aid  : 

Help  us,  O  Lord  ! 

Great  Father  of  us  all, 

On  Thee  Thy  children  call, 

Save  and  defend  ! 
May  we  be  one  in  Thee, 
Knit  as  one  family, 
One  for  eternity, 

World  without  end  ! 


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